Benjamin Martinez Esparza

Benjamin Martinez Esparza passed into the arms of our Lord on August 9, 2019. He was surrounded by family who loved him dearly.

On May 4, 1939, Benjamin was born of love to Amado and Dora Esparza. He was one of sixteen children and was a native of Los Angeles, California.

 Joining the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division, Benjamin became one of only 3% of living Americans who have served in this branch of the military. The 82nd Airborne Division is an infantry division, specializing in parachute assault operations. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and served at the start of the Cold War as a Paratrooper.

 Following his service, he married his beloved wife, Olivia. Benjamin was a loving and loyal husband. For thirty years, Benjamin worked as truck driver. A dedicated employee, he never missed a day of work and would come home each day during his lunch hour to share a meal with the love of his life. Together, Benjamin and Olivia raised their five children: Julie, Diane, Yolanda, Henrietta, and Tico. They also became parents to five of their grandchildren, Joby, Sarah, Lila, Tina, and Helen. Benjamin and Olivia suffered the loss of their only biological child due to ectopic pregnancy. Benjamin, however, believed that God had other plans and that they were destined to parent many. After the loss of their eldest daughter, Julie, to Lupus, they then adopted her four children. With their children they traveled the great outdoors through California’s Great National Parks sharing their love of history, nature, simplicity, and camping. Benjamin and Olivia lived in East Los Angeles before they relocated to Rancho Cucamonga, California. While in Rancho, Benjamin and Olivia cared for several of their great- grandchildren, extending his role as father to three generations. Benjamin spent his last years in Houston, Texas under the loving care of his daughter, Tina. His grandchildren and great-children cherish the memories they have with him and will see to it that his wife and family never forget the remarkable man he was to each of them.

Benjamin is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-children, and even great-great-grandchildren.

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