Manuel Espinoza, our friend and former next door neighbor, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 11 at his home at the much too young age of 54.  We lived next door to Manuel, his wife Diane, children Jason and Monica, and Diane's mother, Linda, until we moved a few streets over four years ago. Another neighbor appeared at our door Tuesday bringing us the sad news.  A rosary was prayed on Thursday at the Angelus Funeral Home and the Funeral Mass was held yesterday, Friday, at the beautiful and historic San Fernando Cathedral. 

We feel fortunate to have had the Espinozas as our neighbors.  They were and are a warm, kind, and close knit family.  The thing that impressed me most was that Manuel and Diane (and Linda) were so positively involved in the lives of their kids. And the kids, now in their twenties, have turned out to be just the kind of kids you always hope your own kids will be; well mannered, studious, responsible, caring, accomplished.  What a wonderful legacy. 

Manuel will be missed.  May God bless the Espinoza family.