Juan Carlos Espinoza

Juan Carlos Espinoza, 87, of New Britain, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington.

Born in Junin, Peru, he was the son of the late Felix Espinoza Yale and Invenciona Cajahuanca Yantas.  While in Peru, Juan studied accounting at the Instituto de Comercio de Lima as well as learning the watchmaker trade from his mentor before moving to the United States.  Juan was a watchmaker and was employed at Sebastian Jewelers and was later self employed at many jewelry stores throughout Connecticut.  He was a member of St. Mary Church.  Juan had a humble upbringing and possessed a strong work ethic throughout his life.  Juan was a caring and loving person who graciously opened up his home to family and friends to provide help and assistance whenever needed.

Surviving are his wife, Gilda “Gladys” Allain Espinoza;  two daughters, Sheila Espinoza-Pilon and her husband Kris Pilon of Simsbury, and Sylvia Espinoza of New Britain; four grandsons, Kyle Pilon, Ryan Pilon, Evan Pilon and Michael Pilon; five sisters, Ernestina Espinoza of Peru, Pascuala Espinoza Mendosa of W. Hartford, Victoria Espinoza Vidal of W. Hartford, Jesusa “Maria” Espinoza Sanchez of W. Hartford, and Natividad Espinoza Pena of W. Hartford; two brothers, Toribio Espinoza of W. Hartford and Teodoro Espinoza of Farmington, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Gricelda Ponce Espinoza.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 5-7 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St. New Britain followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Mary Church.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.