Antonio (“Tony”) Espinel, age 54, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024 in home. He was born on October 3rd, 1969 in Los Angeles, California to Irma Espinel and Antonio Espinel.
Tony was partly raised in Puerto Rico and mostly in Houston. In elementary school (Houston), he tested at a genius level. He graduated from Sharpstown High School. At Houston Community College, he completed an Associates in Arts with Honors (Dean List). He ventured into the unknown by learning about real estate and received a Real Estate Certificate from Texas Tech University. His final accomplishment was a Bachelor of Science in Retailing and Consumer Science from the University of Houston where he ranked Cum Laude and was in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He was very smart, but also very humble. Inspired by taking care of his mother, his latest goal was to go back to school to complete a Bachelors in Nursing. He did an amazing job taking care of his mother as her Alzheimer’s slowly progressed.
Tony made many friends at his jobs. He had friends at Academy Sports and Outdoors, where he worked as a Vendor Relations Coordinator, and at Sysco, where he worked as Analyst. Sysco admired his hard work so much that they did not want to let him go when he gave his resignation letter. Lastly, he also made a great impression with Community Coffee where he did inventory of one of the best coffee brands. Tony was liked and admired by all who met him.
On his time off, Tony was an avid reader of mystery and History books. He also loved fishing. Tony was an amazing aquarist. He kept his fish alive even through the freeze.
Now Tony joins all of his pets - Tiger, PeeWee, Rambo, and Baby. He will also join his father, Antonio Espinel Senior. Even before he was born, Tony and his dad had a close relationship. His dad said “no babysitters for Tony,” so both his parents worked different shifts at work to take care of Tony. It was as if his dad gave birth to Tony. They would go everywhere together, even to the doctor. At one doctor’s appointment, the doctor told his dad “No Palitos” or “No shots.” One weekend his dad poured himself a “Palito” and Tony said to him “No Palito,” shook his head, and wagged his index finger. Both his siblings, Robert and Annie, looked at each other in fear thinking Tony was going to get a serious spanking. Tony ran around the entire house laughing until his dad ran out of breath. Then his dad started laughing too, finally catching Tony only to kiss him and continue laughing together. They are now together again where they are happy and hopefully drinking a heavenly “Palito.”
Tony is survived by his Mother, Irma Espinel, Brother, Robert Espinel and family (Teresa, Tesla, Hope, and Espi), and his Sister, Annie Marsella and family (Ron, Leah and Thomas), who will cherish his memory always. Tony was known to all for his kindness with his mother, family, and animals. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A funeral mass will be held on July 22, 2024, at 2pm, at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, where we will gather to celebrate Tony’s life and honor his memory. Tony's Mass will livestreamed through Facebook by St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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