Fred Espinosa

Fred A. Espinosa, a Santa Barbara native of several generations passed peacefully on September 4, 2023. Fred was well known in Santa Barbara after growing up downtown, attending all the local schools and graduating as a proud SBHS Don! He would often reminisce about all the friends he ran around with back in the 60’s and the fun of the era. He worked briefly for the city and later retired after a long tenure with the County of Santa Barbara. He had a passion for coaching youth football for (decades) and found himself being a father figure to many of the kids. He became an avid barbecue king, finding himself countless times BBQing up for friends and family often at Tuckers Grove and then afterwards quenching his thirst with a cold Budweiser. Fred was a simple, no-frills man and loved just hanging out in his garage. We all knew we could find him there in his happy place welcoming those that dropped by to visit. Let us not forget he had some great dance moves back in the day. Another love interest was his 1965 Red Chevy truck! Whenever he moved, along came old Red!

Later he moved to Buellton and spent the last years there with his family. He liked the quietness of the town, an area where his mother and ancestors were born and raised. Fred was immensely proud of all his children and grandchildren whom he always spoke of in high regard. Even though he could be stubborn man at times we loved him dearly and he will be greatly missed by his family!

Fred fought relentlessly among so many health challenges. He gave it his all! He will now join the many family members that left ahead of him. He will now be free of any pain and renewed! Rest in Peace Dad, Papa, Brother, Pops & AKA “Freddy Frog!”

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Charles Espinosa and his mother, Juanita Espinosa. Survived by wife, Kathy, former wife Alicia Falcon, children Paul Espinosa (Jessica), Janel (Ronnie) Ruiz, Steve (Ofelia) Espinosa, Fred Espinosa Jr. 3 stepchildren, Jamie (Derrick) Gibson, Ramon Fuentes & Melissa Fuentes. In addition, he leaves 21 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters, his sisters, Gladys (Arthur) Ortiz and Rhonda Espinosa Castillo along with a niece and nephews, cousins, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers please send condolences and memories to –
www.forevermissed.com/fred-anthony-espinosa
Private Family celebration of life at a later date.