1928
Jose
2008
Jose Dionicio Esparza
January 25, 1928 — November 27, 2008
Jose Dionicio Ramirez Esparza “Nicho”
A loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and compadre, community leader, and mentor to many…
José Dionicio “Nicho” Esparza passed away at his home in El Ranchito on November 27th at the age of 80. His quiet strength and determination and his unwavering respect and kindness to others will live on in the hearts and memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Nicho was born on January 25th, 1928, the son of Willie Lerma Esparza and Maria Luisa Ramirez Esparza and grew up with15 siblings on the family ranch in El Ranchito. After high school, Nicho served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany as part of the occupation forces. Upon returning from service, Nicho met Zifa Zayas, his wife of 56 years. The death of Nicho’s father shortly after he married thrust him into the dual role of running his farm and ranch business and raising the youngest of his sixteen siblings. Additionally, Nicho and Zifa raised seven children of their own and were later blessed with eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Nicho’s hard work and dedication to farming, vegetable processing and wholesaling, and ranching pursuits were admired by many. He served on the Boards of the San Benito Bank and Trust and Amigo Savings and Loan, as well as an advisor to the experimental, government subsidized Bracero Program during the Kennedy Administration. In addition, Nicho gave generously to various philanthropies. Nicho’s love and enthusiasm for hunting and the great outdoors was the focal point in the camaraderie he shared with friends and family alike.
Nicho is survived by his wife, Zifa Zayas Esparza, daughters: Wilma Esparza Gonzalez and husband John, Elsa Esparza Hamilton, Sandra Esparza Guerrero and husband Ricardo, Zifa Esparza, Denise Esparza Fletcher and husband Robert, Karin Esparza Trevino and husband Vincent, and son, José Dionicio “JD” Esparza. Grandchildren are: Andrea and Desireé Gonzalez, Dennis and Charles Hamilton, Anton and Zifa Guerrero, Angela and Natalie Fletcher, Megan, Vincent and Karin Trevino, and two great grandchildren Miranda and Savanna Gonzalez. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Raul Esparza and wife Ester, Guillermo Esparza and wife Elena, Roman Esparza and wife Margie, Carlos Esparza, Romeo Esparza and wife Guadalupe, Celeste Esparza Martinez and husband Miguel, Overlin Esparza and wife Blanche, and Rafael Esparza and wife Phyllis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nicho is predeceased by his parents Willie and Maria Luisa, brothers: Willie Esparza I, Alberto Esparza, Luis Esparza, Elfego Esparza and sisters: Celeste Esparza Trueba, Maria Luisa Esparza Ramirez, Guillermina Esparza Escobar, and Anita Sylvia Esparza.
Viewing will occur between 3:00pm and 9:00pm on Sunday, November 30th at the San Benito Funeral Home at 1400 West Highway 71 in San Benito. Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm that evening.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 2:00pm on Monday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in El Ranchito, with Father Amador Garza officiating. Pallbearers will be: John Gonzalez, Rick Guerrero, Robert Fletcher, Vincent Trevino, Dr. Joe Zayas, and Anton Guerrero. Burial will immediately follow at the family ranch.
His faith and community were important to Nicho and in lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to his church, St. Ignatius Catholic Church which serves the people of El Ranchito. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of San Benito Funeral Home.
A loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and compadre, community leader, and mentor to many…
José Dionicio “Nicho” Esparza passed away at his home in El Ranchito on November 27th at the age of 80. His quiet strength and determination and his unwavering respect and kindness to others will live on in the hearts and memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Nicho was born on January 25th, 1928, the son of Willie Lerma Esparza and Maria Luisa Ramirez Esparza and grew up with15 siblings on the family ranch in El Ranchito. After high school, Nicho served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany as part of the occupation forces. Upon returning from service, Nicho met Zifa Zayas, his wife of 56 years. The death of Nicho’s father shortly after he married thrust him into the dual role of running his farm and ranch business and raising the youngest of his sixteen siblings. Additionally, Nicho and Zifa raised seven children of their own and were later blessed with eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Nicho’s hard work and dedication to farming, vegetable processing and wholesaling, and ranching pursuits were admired by many. He served on the Boards of the San Benito Bank and Trust and Amigo Savings and Loan, as well as an advisor to the experimental, government subsidized Bracero Program during the Kennedy Administration. In addition, Nicho gave generously to various philanthropies. Nicho’s love and enthusiasm for hunting and the great outdoors was the focal point in the camaraderie he shared with friends and family alike.
Nicho is survived by his wife, Zifa Zayas Esparza, daughters: Wilma Esparza Gonzalez and husband John, Elsa Esparza Hamilton, Sandra Esparza Guerrero and husband Ricardo, Zifa Esparza, Denise Esparza Fletcher and husband Robert, Karin Esparza Trevino and husband Vincent, and son, José Dionicio “JD” Esparza. Grandchildren are: Andrea and Desireé Gonzalez, Dennis and Charles Hamilton, Anton and Zifa Guerrero, Angela and Natalie Fletcher, Megan, Vincent and Karin Trevino, and two great grandchildren Miranda and Savanna Gonzalez. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Raul Esparza and wife Ester, Guillermo Esparza and wife Elena, Roman Esparza and wife Margie, Carlos Esparza, Romeo Esparza and wife Guadalupe, Celeste Esparza Martinez and husband Miguel, Overlin Esparza and wife Blanche, and Rafael Esparza and wife Phyllis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nicho is predeceased by his parents Willie and Maria Luisa, brothers: Willie Esparza I, Alberto Esparza, Luis Esparza, Elfego Esparza and sisters: Celeste Esparza Trueba, Maria Luisa Esparza Ramirez, Guillermina Esparza Escobar, and Anita Sylvia Esparza.
Viewing will occur between 3:00pm and 9:00pm on Sunday, November 30th at the San Benito Funeral Home at 1400 West Highway 71 in San Benito. Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm that evening.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 2:00pm on Monday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in El Ranchito, with Father Amador Garza officiating. Pallbearers will be: John Gonzalez, Rick Guerrero, Robert Fletcher, Vincent Trevino, Dr. Joe Zayas, and Anton Guerrero. Burial will immediately follow at the family ranch.
His faith and community were important to Nicho and in lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to his church, St. Ignatius Catholic Church which serves the people of El Ranchito. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of San Benito Funeral Home.
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