LEWISTON — Gilbert Espinoza, 77, a native of Southern California and a resident of Rumford, passed away with his family by his side, on Wednesday, Sept. 29,  at Central Maine Medical Center.

He was born in East Los Angeles, April 13, 1933, the son of William and Victoria Espinoza. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, Gil received the William Randolph Hearst Graphic Arts Scholarship for printing and went on to become a lifelong lithographer.

Gil opened his own print shop in Hawthorne, Calif., and retired in 1985. He was drawn back into the business as plant manager for another 18 years at Color Graphics, downtown Los Angeles. After officially retiring in 2004, Gil and his wife, Brenda, a native of Maine, moved across country, where they purchased a beautiful historic colonial home in Rumford.

Gil served with the U.S. Army, Third Infantry Division during the Korean War and was an Airborne Ranger. Although Gil was very proud of his role during the Korean War, it was not his biggest accomplishment. His family was the most important thing to him during his life. He was satisfied to know that his largest goal had been met by keeping his family members united and being instrumental in creating good times and memories for all to share. Gil always showed compassion for the less fortunate and gave generously to many organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Espinoza of Rumford; daughter, Nancy Sintetos and three grandsons of Oceanside, Calif.; his son, Mark Edwards of San Francisco, Calif.; sons, Matthew and William Espinoza and their mother, Judith Espinoza, of Cerritos, Calif.; a son, Anthony DeGeorge of Scarborough; and many nieces and nephews, who reside throughout California.

He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. He will be remembered and missed by all.

Friends are invited to sign the guest book and share memories at www.meaderandson.com.