Antonio Espiricueta Velasquez

Antonio “Toño” Espericueta, 39, was born in Valadeces, Tamaulipas where he was raised by his grandparents, Clemente “apa” and Severa “ama”, until he was 5 years old. He came to live in Rio Grande City where he was raised by his loving parents, Maria Lidia and Florentino Vallejo, alongside his only sister Maria De Jesus Villarreal, and at the age of 18 joined the US Army. Where he served his tour in Ramadi, Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. He later earned the rank of Sergeant, and he took pride in serving the country and his time during his deployment. He loved to reminisce in the memories he made with his brothers by telling stories of boot camp, drills, hikes, his trips to Germany, Belgium, and Spain, parties where they may or may not have drank too much. But most importantly he loved the family that the military gave him. Thank you to his brothers who aided in bringing him home. After arriving home to Rio Grande City, he became the spouse and best friend of Erika Bazan. They shared 13 years of friendship and love together. He was the father of 4 beautiful children, Leylani , Sophia , Nicolas ,and Ezekiel. Who he cherished every single day he possibly could. Antonio was a father, husband, brother, comrade, combat veteran, grandson, uncle, son, and a light in so many lives. He made a difference because of his brave, generous, kind, loving heart and soul. Con tanto amor en el corazon, y una alma que cuido a su familia. Antonio earned all the love he received in his 39 years of life. May he rest with all the love we gave and all the love we will continue to give him. Whether he is here or with the Lord, may he rest with his “apa”, his fallen comrades, and his “battle buddy” Fifi. Con mucho amor, “Papa”, “Hermano”, “Cunado”, “Tio”, “Hijo”, “Primo”, “Nieto”, “Sobrino” que Dios te cuide para que ya descanses y no sufras. Te extranaremos por el resto de nuestros dias. Gracias por todos los recuerdos bonitos que nos dejastes.