May 19, 1949 - Feb. 9, 2014
Lowello Dennis Espinoza, born May 19, 1949 in Pittsburg, California. As a proud Marine, he went to “Guard the Gates of Heaven” on February 9, 2014 in Fallon, Nevada and is survived by his wife, Ladonna Espinoza of Fallon, Nevada. Dennis is survived by his siblings Larry & Vivian Espinoza, Vivian & Guy Murdock, Diane & Mike Hoff, Victor & Maria Llamas and Ron & Cynthia Espinoza. His daughter Jennifer Espinoza and his sons David Espinoza and Michael Ruiz. He is also survived by his children by marriage Lydia & Michael Perkinson, Donald & Dawn Sylver and Deirdre & Reggie Randolph. Dennis was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren. Dennis was raised in Southern California, and served from 1969 to 1971 in the US Army and served from 1972 to 1976 in the USMC. Dennis completed 2 tours of combat duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Dennis was awarded the following decorations, Bronze Star Service Media, Army Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device and ISMC Expert Rifleman Badge. His military training included US Army Wheeled Vehicle Repairman and USMC Mortarman. Dennis volunteered for several organizations to include VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans Associations and the Marine Corps League. Dennis was elected of VFW Department of Nevada District 3 commander in May 2013. As commander he was instrumental in creating two new Posts in District 3 and achieved all American District Commander 2013-14 status. Dennis’ continued support for Veterans was unmatched, he held the Vietnam Veteran close to heart and was instrumental in the creation of the Reno Chapter of the VVA. During his retirement years, Dennis dedicated his life to assisting Veterans that struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Whether it was encouraging counseling or just an ear to listen, he supported all Veterans with his heart and soul. He was a champion for those that needed a “hand up” and for those that needed a “hand to hold”. His heart was huge for his brethren and sisters of all Military branches. “Semper Fi” was the core of his being. A loving, dedicated Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend and Veteran, Dennis will surely be missed by all those who lives he touched. We packed a lot of love, joy, & laughter in the too short time we had together. I will meet you at your Guard Post in Heaven, loving you always, Ladonna. A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 8, 2014 at the VFW post 9211, 255 VFW Historic Lane, Reno NV 89509 at 3PM. Military honors services will be held Sunday March 9, 2014 at the Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Fernley at 1PM. Arrangements by Smith Family Funeral Home, Fallon.