A funeral service was held Tuesday morning at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hughson for George Espinola, 88, of Hughson. He died peacefully in his sleep at Samaritan Village in Hughson after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.
Allen Mortuary was in charge of burial at Turlock Memorial Park.
George lived in Hughson all of his life. He joined the Army and served in the 84th infantry Division and the 335th Infantry Regiment during World War II. Mr. Espinola was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Heart medals. He was also in the battle of the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland campaign and was instrumental in releaseing POWs held in concetration camps. Upon returning home he lived in Hughson where he farmed with his father for a few years. He met the love of his life Mary C. Rocha and married in 1949. The had one son. George drove truck for Berry's Feed and Seed and retired from there after 35 years of dedicated service.
He is survived by his son, George Espinola Jr.,; three grandchildren, Shellian Langley of Hughson, Amy M. Dickens of Modesto and Jason Espinola of Hughson; and nine great-grandchildren, Kyle, Karley, Jessica, Katie, Kelsey, Jason, Matthew, and Kenadee. He was preceded in death by wife Mary C. Espinola and sister Alice Espinola.
Remembrances may be sent to the VFW or to the Salvation Army, 625 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354.
-Ceres Courier/ December 15, 2010
Allen Mortuary was in charge of burial at Turlock Memorial Park.
George lived in Hughson all of his life. He joined the Army and served in the 84th infantry Division and the 335th Infantry Regiment during World War II. Mr. Espinola was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Heart medals. He was also in the battle of the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland campaign and was instrumental in releaseing POWs held in concetration camps. Upon returning home he lived in Hughson where he farmed with his father for a few years. He met the love of his life Mary C. Rocha and married in 1949. The had one son. George drove truck for Berry's Feed and Seed and retired from there after 35 years of dedicated service.
He is survived by his son, George Espinola Jr.,; three grandchildren, Shellian Langley of Hughson, Amy M. Dickens of Modesto and Jason Espinola of Hughson; and nine great-grandchildren, Kyle, Karley, Jessica, Katie, Kelsey, Jason, Matthew, and Kenadee. He was preceded in death by wife Mary C. Espinola and sister Alice Espinola.
Remembrances may be sent to the VFW or to the Salvation Army, 625 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354.
-Ceres Courier/ December 15, 2010
