Epifanio Rios Escamilla's Obituary
In loving memory of Epifanio Rios Escamilla, 85, we reflect on a life well-lived. Epifanio was born on February 28, 1938, in Durango, Mexico and passed peacefully in Hospice care on May 27, 2023 in La Mesa, California.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, godfather, brother, uncle & friend who was fiercely loyal to the people he loved.
Moving to San Diego just after marrying his loving wife, he began his culinary career at the famous La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, California. Hired as a busboy, he paid attention to detail and found a passion for cooking. His work in the kitchen was mostly self-taught by watching the chefs at the hotel. After each shift that he worked, he would come home and empty his pockets with his “tip money” and place it in their house fund and they were able to achieve the American Dream of buying their brand-new home in Clairemont. It wasn’t long after this before he and his wife opened their first Mexican Food restaurant in San Diego. They went on to establish two other restaurants during the years while raising their children in Clairemont. His entire career was that of a talented Restaurateur providing San Diegans with his famous specialties for over 40 years!
He was a faithful member of St Catherine Laboure Catholic Church for over 50 years. His unwavering commitment to his faith and his relentless desire to share the goodness & faithfulness of God, touched the lives of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. As a member of Knights of Columbus, he shared his time, effort & resources in their values of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.
Epifanio, many refer to him as “Epi”, was happiest while spending time with family and friends. He was a huge fan of horse racing and enjoyed every chance he got to visit the Del Mar Racetrack and Aqua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, B.C. Whether he won or not was of little importance, his joy was choosing his favored horse, placing his bets and sitting back with his beer to see how it all played out. He loved going to Las Vegas for holiday weekends with the family and trying his luck at the blackjack table. He watched his sports teams on TV and if time permitted, the afternoon nap.
Epifanio is survived by his wife of 62 years, Graciela, daughter Patricia (Robert) of Virginia, daughter Elsa (James) of Escondido and Son Alex (Jenny) of Arizona and his 5 grandchildren: Mateo, Jacob, Hannah, Aiden and Bobby.
The family wishes to thank the multiple nurses, caregivers & staff at LakeView Sharp Hospice Care for attending to his needs with the care & compassion they showed him during his final days.
He will be remembered fondly by many for his kind heart, ready smile, and his desire to keep everyone’s glass “topped-off”. He was so generous with his time and was such a treasure to all who knew him. He will remain tremendously loved and respected, and we know that his light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.
Rosary and visitation will be held Friday June 23rd between 4-8pm at the Clairemont Mortuary at 4266 Mt Abernathy SD 92117
A funeral mass will be celebrated in Epi’s honor June 24th at 11am at St Catherine’s Church located at 4124 Mount Abraham Ave SD 92117
Burial and reception will be held immediately after mass at the Greenwood Cemetery located at 4300 Imperial Avenue SD 92113
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