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Theodore C. Espinosa, 86, passed from this world on Wednesday, September 3, 2009, after a valiant 18 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born January 11, 1923, in Del Norte, Colorado, Ted spent his childhood living and working on his Uncle Juan’s sheep ranch in southern Colorado where he learned many valuable skills he would utilize throughout his life.  He attended the Holy Cross Abbey boarding school for boys in Canon City, Colorado.  After serving his country in the Pacific theatre during World War II, he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and subsequently received the Master of Arts degree in Spanish literature at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.  In 1964, he was awarded an EdD degree from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City.

He and Rosemarie Zegob were married August 9, 1948.  They moved to Albuquerque in 1954 where Ted found work as a teacher and administrator with the Albuquerque Public Schools, serving at Washington and Lincoln Jr. High Schools, and Albuquerque, Manzano and Del Norte High Schools, until he retired in 1983. After he left APS, he was often recognized by former students who expressed gratitude for the role he played in helping them to improve their lives.  He and Rosemarie enjoyed years of travel as well as spending many pleasant summers in their vacation home in Chama, NM.  Their lives were enriched by an engaged social life with many wonderful friends.  Ted was always active intellectually and his knowledge of, and love for, the Spanish language was handed on to his children and grandchildren.  He manifested his love of his family through the many projects undertaken to improve the lives of his wife and his children and grandchildren.  He loved working alongside his children and grandchildren and gave them a model of true integrity and a solid work ethic.

He is survived by Rosemarie, his wife of 61 years, and his five children: Monica and daughter Natalia; Paul, his wife Marta and daughter Marisa; Robert, his wife Lisa, daughter Renata and sons Dominic and Robert Theodore; Peter, his wife Kim, son Aaron and daughter Maya; David, his wife Cindy, daughter Kiana and son Gabriel, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. A rosary and vigil will be held on Friday, Sept 11 at 7:00 pm at the UNM Newman  Center, 1815 Los Lomas Rd NE, Albuquerque.  A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Sept 12 at 12 noon at the UNM Newman Center followed by a reception at the same location.  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to the UNM Newman Center Building Fund.