HM2 Darren M Espinoza USN
July 7, 1994 – May 26, 2024
Darren gave his heart completely to everything he loved. He played many sports; soccer, baseball, and football, which was his favorite. He played for the Cortez High School Colts and was designated as the Team Capitan his senior year. He established himself with distinction during that year, receiving the Frances Kush Dedicated Student Scholarship. His teachers and coaches described Darren as “self-motivated, dedicated, well-disciplined in both academics and athletics.” Darren was named All District as a linebacker, and “always gave his best effort to the team.” He had 102 tackles, second in Glendale in 2012, and was named Team Defensive Player of the Year.
After high school Darren’s servant heart compelled him to join the United States Navy, where he served on the USNS Mercy as a hospital corpsman. During his service he traveled to many parts of the world including Fiji, the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and South Korea. Darren attended Field Medical Force training and joined the 3/8 India Company Marine unit as their Devil Dog “Doc Espi.” While in the Navy Darren received the following medals: 2 good conduct medals, 2 sea service deployment ribbons, Korean defense service medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
While working with veterans at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, Darren found his passion and decided to become a physical therapist. Upon discharge from the Navy, he was accepted into Regis University in Denver, Colorado and embarked on his educational journey. He wanted to help others who were injured overcome their obstacles and interned during the summer semesters as a physical therapy assistant.
Darren’s pastimes included cheering on the Tennessee Titans football team, playing rugby for several leagues in the Denver area, gaming, and weightlifting. He loved music in all genres and movies; he could beat almost anyone at name that tune trivia games. Most of all he loved the Mandalorian, a character who resonated deeply with him. He was constantly quoting the character telling us “This is the Way,” in reference to something good and worthy of respect.
To know Darren, was to love Darren. He was funny, witty, quick with a joke, the first person on the dance floor, and a man who could be trusted with anything. He had an infectious smile and an abundance of love for his family and friends. Darren was a man who stood up for all things honorable, defended the weak, and was a fierce protector of his family, especially of his Papa Charles who held Darren on a pedestal.
His brilliant light will be greatly missed. States he called home: Arizona and Florida
