Mr. Percy Jesus Espinoza's Obituary
Percy Jesus Espinoza was born on October 22, 1955 in Callo, Peru where he spent his childhood playing fútbol. Later on he would move to the city of Lima, Peru where he lived with his uncle and sister, went to university and continued playing fútbol; he kept playing all the way into his early 60's. Percy would eventually leave Peru and migrate to Miami, Florida, where he met the love of his life in 1980, Clara Maya Cervantes. They built a life together for the next 43 years; they raised 4 children, two girls and two boys.
Below are a few words from his wife and each one of his children starting from youngest to oldest.
-Wife Clara: "Amor mío fuiste el mejor padre que daba siempre consejos buenos. Te voy a amar para siempre, tus ojos están grabados en mi mente para siempre, y tu corazón está dentro de mi corazón para siempre. Voy a seguir adelante con mis hijos los más bello que me dejaste del amor tuyo. Te abrazó tanto éstos últimos días pero pronto estaré a tu lado haciéndote compañía. Eres un ángel que me abriga para poder sostenerme de este dolor. Vivirás en mi corazón para siempre, te amo amor mío.
-Moises: " 'Dame Arroz con Glee y Pollo Frito otra vez' my dad use to always joke around with me saying that, it was our inside joke."
-Percy Jr: "I have always wanted to be in the presence of my dad because I looked up to him for guidance a lot, he was a hard working person too. No matter where we were or what was going on in the world today, he was always optimistic and he was my home too.
-Elena: "A father who took care of his family. An inspiring mentor and resilient person. He was an avid soccer player. He taught his sons and daughters to take care of themselves. An educated and honest man. His distant family should be proud he left a legacy. A man that sacrificed himself for his children."
-Shirley: " 'Fùtbol is Life!' Yes, most of us know this phrase from Ted Lasso, but the character Dani Rojas was my dad. Ever since he could walk fùtbol has been his passion, not just playing it but watching it too. He'd tell us stories on how he'd sneak into games because he couldn't afford a ticket, or how his college tryouts went.. he was a great story teller. He was also super knowledgeable about life, sports, science, and history. He could talk to you for days about any topic and he would make you feel like you could listen on forever.. but not just to his family, everyone he has ever encountered can tell you the same. He was always a bright spot in someone's day. He lived a modest life, but he lived for his family.
What’s your fondest memory of Percy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Percy?
Share a story where Percy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Percy you’ll never forget.
How did Percy make you smile?
