John 'Gino' Harold Espino
Obituary
John “Gino” Harold Espino passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 8, 2025. Born in Riverside, California and raised in Vacaville, he spent the last 26 years of his life in Fairfield, California, where he and his wife raised their family.
John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carole Norris Espino, and their three sons—Clayton (Megan) Espino, Emmett Espino, and Blake Espino. He is also survived by his mother, Anne Duffy; his sister Angela “Taggie” (John) Peterson of Forest, VA; and his sister Katherine (Jon) McLarty of Galt, CA. He leaves behind many beloved relatives, friends, and countless others he welcomed into his heart as family.
A man of unwavering faith, John was a devoted follower of Christ whose life was rooted in love, compassion, and service. He never met a stranger. With a natural warmth, curiosity, and a grace-filled presence, he had a remarkable way of seeing people and making them feel valued. He lived by his “two-foot rule”—believing anyone within arm’s reach was someone worth knowing, encouraging, and reminding of their God-given worth.
John dedicated much of his life to helping others. As a young man he coached, mentored, and spoke at youth outreach events, especially reaching those walking through hardship. His desire to serve led him to the Army Reserves as a Chaplain’s Assistant, followed by earning a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry and a master’s in counseling from Liberty University. He later served as a house parent at Patrick Henry Boys Home, worked within university student development and academic advising, and spent nearly two decades in social work supporting foster youth and individuals facing disadvantage and instability.
As life seasons changed, John joined the family mortgage business alongside his brothers-in-law, and later transitioned into the commercial solar industry, where he worked for 17 years. No matter where he was planted, he continued to lead, guide, and pour into people. He served his community faithfully through numerous boards, ministries, youth programs, and leadership roles—far too many to list, yet each one a testament to his persistent heart to serve others.
John’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, courage, humility and grace. He passed on to heaven much younger than expected but at his peak – an amazing husband, a proud father, a faithful friend, an encourager to many and an exceptionally faithful servant. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, yet those who loved him find comfort knowing his life was well lived, his impact endures, and he now rests in perfect peace in the presence of God.
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January 9, 2026
All I have to say is John was and is an amazing man. I didn't know much about his older years but we went to high school together. He by far was the friendliest guy I knew. Very genuine always kind and seemed to always really care about other's feelings. To hear the wonderful stories I heard today does not surprise me. He will truly be missed by lots.
January 8, 2026
John was an amazing guy!
We are sorry we can’t be at his funeral in person. We are in Utah right now.
Many prayers for the funeral tomorrow…that it will be a great time to celebrate John’s life !
We also pray for the message of the gospel to reach anyone there who doesn’t know our Lord personally🙏🏻
We miss John but rejoice that he is in the presence of Jesus😃
We love you, Carol and boys!
We are sorry we can’t be at his funeral in person. We are in Utah right now.
Many prayers for the funeral tomorrow…that it will be a great time to celebrate John’s life !
We also pray for the message of the gospel to reach anyone there who doesn’t know our Lord personally🙏🏻
We miss John but rejoice that he is in the presence of Jesus😃
We love you, Carol and boys!
January 8, 2026
John was one of the best guys I've known. I was blessed to have him as my my RD when I was an RA at Liberty University. Amazing man of God, always loved the person in front of him, a kind loving witness for Jesus. I'm sorry John is gone cause he made this crazy world a little better! Carole, may you experience Christ's presence and His everlasting Love.
January 5, 2026
Praise God for John's life and his impact on many lives. So many memories from when we were kids - Sunday School, his knee surgery, his broken ribs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the dogs. But my favorite were the times he came over to the house to help me practice pitching; I could never believe that someone would have fun being the catcher.
December 31, 2025
My heart breaks for John's family, especially my dear friend Carole, for your tremendous loss. John's energy and laughter filled the room. May all of your precious memories of his full life bring comfort and may your sorrow be intertwined with joy and laughter when shared together.
December 22, 2025
This is a heartfelt message in memory of John Espino. I first met John and his two sisters Angela aka Taggie and Katherine when they were kids. John was only 11 years old. We met at Grace Bible Church in Fairfield California. I became a Big Brother/ mentor and friend to John and his sisters and mom, Ann. Those few God anointed years would Prove to be life changing to all of us. I was blessed and honored to be a part of John’s life. If I could go back in time, I would not change a thing. Bless you John. Rest in peace. I know I will see you again.
Love, your Big brother,
Dave Bannister
Aka Davey Wavey Pavey
Love, your Big brother,
Dave Bannister
Aka Davey Wavey Pavey
December 20, 2025
What a privilege it was to know this man who became a household name in my family as I credited him in playing a pivotol role in shaping my outlook on life during my most vulnerable years in college. John’s influence in my life impacted who I married, and the type of father and grandfather I would become. John is very much alive in the next generation of people that he helped shape. He left this earth as a strong, warrior standing. I cant wait to give him a big hug again as he will be one of the first that I look for after I see my Lord in heaven one day.
December 6, 2025
A picture of John and I. At Ft Knox the day we graduated from Basic Training. About the only day we were both clean and not covered in mud or sweat. Love that guy!
December 6, 2025
I met John back in 1989 and only for 8 weeks. We haven’t see each other since. We reunited on Social
media a few years ago and were able to catch up a bit.
We were both sent to
US Army Basic Training in Ft Knox KY. We hit it off pretty quickly through our trauma bond, Basic Training isn’t meant to be fun (lol!).
He was a tough guy with a big heart and the only guy who I remembered both his first and last name from those 8 weeks. I guess he made an impression on me.
What a great guy. I miss him already.
media a few years ago and were able to catch up a bit.
We were both sent to
US Army Basic Training in Ft Knox KY. We hit it off pretty quickly through our trauma bond, Basic Training isn’t meant to be fun (lol!).
He was a tough guy with a big heart and the only guy who I remembered both his first and last name from those 8 weeks. I guess he made an impression on me.
What a great guy. I miss him already.
December 4, 2025
I met John while we were both youth ministry majors at Liberty. John could always make me laugh and was encouraging to me in my walk with God and my desire to serve the Lord. I remember him showing me pictures of Carole and telling me how much he missed her. I think I remember him talking to her on the phone.
One year, John got the idea of starting an organization called YouthNet, that would keep youth ministry majors in touch with each other after they left Liberty, for encouragement and sharing ideas. Kind of like a social media group, before social media. We talked and prayed about it a lot. We shared the idea with a few others and were encouraged that this was a good idea. We then went to youth ministry professor, Dave Adams and shared our thoughts and he told us what we needed to do to organize a club. Next, we went up to DC and Baltimore one weekend to pray and plan. I believe Ken Lightner, Ellis Prince, and Tom Smith were on that trip. We stayed at Ellis Prince's parent's house.
Soon after that we held our charter meeting and had many youth majors join. It seemed to be a good idea while it lasted. John was the president of the club and I was the vice president. This was an example of how John was always thinking with a ministry minded entrepreneurial mindset. I loved that about John and his thinking in that area has stuck with me to this day.
Later, I flew out to California for a week in May of 1992. I stayed with John for a day and I remember him telling me how he had to appear in court and decide between community service and going to jail for three days! I think he had failed to take care of a ticket for not stopping at a traffic light or something. I believe he chose the community service.
A couple of years later, when I was first married, John encouraged me to apply to work at the Lynchburg Juvenile Detention Home. John had been working there and told me who to talk to about an opening there. I had that job for a year, thanks to John's encouragement!
The last time I saw John was Thanksgiving morning, 2013, when I was visiting California with my family. It was a great morning, reminiscing about old times and catching up.
Thankfully, I did have a chance to reconnect with John in the last couple of years through LinkedIn.
I don't think I will be able to make the service, but will pray for you and your family Carole and that the Lord will use that day to encourage many. We will look forward to that day when we will be together again with John in Heaven.
One year, John got the idea of starting an organization called YouthNet, that would keep youth ministry majors in touch with each other after they left Liberty, for encouragement and sharing ideas. Kind of like a social media group, before social media. We talked and prayed about it a lot. We shared the idea with a few others and were encouraged that this was a good idea. We then went to youth ministry professor, Dave Adams and shared our thoughts and he told us what we needed to do to organize a club. Next, we went up to DC and Baltimore one weekend to pray and plan. I believe Ken Lightner, Ellis Prince, and Tom Smith were on that trip. We stayed at Ellis Prince's parent's house.
Soon after that we held our charter meeting and had many youth majors join. It seemed to be a good idea while it lasted. John was the president of the club and I was the vice president. This was an example of how John was always thinking with a ministry minded entrepreneurial mindset. I loved that about John and his thinking in that area has stuck with me to this day.
Later, I flew out to California for a week in May of 1992. I stayed with John for a day and I remember him telling me how he had to appear in court and decide between community service and going to jail for three days! I think he had failed to take care of a ticket for not stopping at a traffic light or something. I believe he chose the community service.
A couple of years later, when I was first married, John encouraged me to apply to work at the Lynchburg Juvenile Detention Home. John had been working there and told me who to talk to about an opening there. I had that job for a year, thanks to John's encouragement!
The last time I saw John was Thanksgiving morning, 2013, when I was visiting California with my family. It was a great morning, reminiscing about old times and catching up.
Thankfully, I did have a chance to reconnect with John in the last couple of years through LinkedIn.
I don't think I will be able to make the service, but will pray for you and your family Carole and that the Lord will use that day to encourage many. We will look forward to that day when we will be together again with John in Heaven.
December 3, 2025
I was saddened to hear of John’s unexpected passing but grateful to know that he is enveloped in the arms of the Jesus he loved so well. I came to know John when I was involved in Christian radio in Sacramento and later in supporting Mission Solano. I remember his sincere relationship with Christ and his warm heart for others along with his passion for life and commitment to provide for his family. Although I now live in the Pacific Northwest and can’t attend the service my prayers are with the family. JP
December 2, 2025
My heart felt condolences. I have know John through Solar for the last ten years. While I did not know him well I always appreciated my time with him. He was always positive had a great smile and was super helpful. In our last conversation I do honestly remember him speaking about his love for his wife and children.
December 1, 2025
John, my brother.
December 1, 2025
John was a great leader for all in the SI community. He has helped many men and was a super cheerleader for producing good men with integrity and transparency. I remember him fondly!
November 30, 2025
Just remembering back to all the baseball games and traveling with PAL we did. Mr. Espino was always VERY supportive and loving towards everyone no matter what. You’ll always be missed and in my, as well as all of our memories. Rest in Paradise Mr. Espino.. See you at those beloved pearly gates.
November 30, 2025
I had the privilege of getting to know John more than 10 years ago. An amazing man who loved his family and faith and always acted with integrity. I will miss catching up about our kids, sports, family and of course, the solar business.
Sorry, I won't be able to attend the service, but miss you John!
Sorry, I won't be able to attend the service, but miss you John!
November 29, 2025
I was a friend of John’s at Liberty, we were both youth majors, and I got to work with him on several projects. He was never a self-promoter or a resume’ builder, he just really cared deeply about people. We had many engaging conversations and discussions about life. He was well grounded, and boy, did he love Jesus!! ❤️🙏🏻✝️ Lost track of him after graduating seminary in 1993 ( it wasn’t exactly the age of social media…😊 ), but was delighted to reconnect with him on FB several years ago. I’m so sorry for the loss you and the boys have endured Carol…🥲 I’ve never met you personally, but if John decided to do life with you, you must be an amazing person!! Prayers as you go through your grief, it will be ( and sure it already has been ) emotionally exhausting. Sadly, I can’t make the service, but I wanted you to know that my prayers are with you guys, and that our loss is definitely heaven’s gain!! I’ll always remember that hearty laugh, and the Christ-like way he resolved differences with others. My heart is broken, Carol, my prayers are surely with you. I know John heard these words when he went into the presence of Jesus… “well done, good and faithful servant”…❤️
November 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss. John was an amazing person. I first met John at Jepson over 43 years. I remember our many times playing basketball and chatting about life. The World will miss him.
November 28, 2025
John was used by God to make a significant impact on my life. I miss him and look forward to seeing him in The Kingdom.
November 28, 2025
John was an amazing mentor and friend. He definitely made a positive impact on our lives and we’re truly grateful for the time we had with him. Sending comfort and prayers to the family.
November 28, 2025
I say sincerely, this is one guy who I will miss, A kind heart that spoke truth and wisdom. His passion and desire to mentor men was a great quality. Will miss the talks and the games of 1 on 1 basketball, Easily seen was his love of God, wife, sons and relatives.
Joyful Heaven with your time with Jesus.
Clifton
Joyful Heaven with your time with Jesus.
Clifton
November 28, 2025
John was a great guy. He was always happy and positive. We grew up together going to Jepson Jr. High and then on to Vaca High. We played football, basketball and baseball together. He was a kind soul who always saw the good in everyone he met. He will continue to be remembered well and greatly missed.
November 28, 2025
I was John’s youth pastor for about 13 months. In that short time, we became friends. We stayed in touch here and there throughout the years. I was always encouraged by our talks. I look forward to seeing John again in God’s Glorious Heavens.
November 28, 2025
Miss you my brother! Friday mornings are not the same. Miss your wit and wisdom and most of all your loving spirit. See you again one day!
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