Joseph I. Espitia, Jr.

Joseph I. Espitia, Jr., age 67 of East Chicago, IN passed away Monday, March 6, 2023.  He is survived by 2 sons, Joseph (Taylor) Martinez and Marc (Kristina) Martinez; 2 grandchildren, Brycen and Arabella; siblings: Linda (late Baldomero) Martinez, Monica Rosario, Peter Espitia and late Vincent Espitia; nieces: Kathy (Balt) Alvarez, Rena (Jorge) Morales, Marisa (Manuel) Alvarez and Marianne (Andrae) Hernandez; numerous, aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins; and special friends, Cal Ramirez and Family.  Preceded in death by his loving wife, Maria; son, Bobby “Kiki” Martinez; parents, Joseph and Agnes Espitia.

Joseph was a hard-working man who worked for the City and School City of East Chicago.  He also was the owner-operator of Dynamic Cleaning & Painting, servicing Northwest Indiana for over 20 years. Joseph was a devout Christian, loved imitating James Brown's dance moves, was an avid Chicago sports fan, and an expert genealogist.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Church, 3802 Grand Blvd., East Chicago, Indiana with Rev. Diego Florez officiating.  Burial to follow at St. John Cemetery, Hammond, Indiana.  Visitation will be on Monday, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN and on Tuesday from 9:30 am until the time of the Mass at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Church. 

Please omit flowers, memorial donations in Joe’s memory may be made via the link at the bottom of this page.

The following is a post written by Joseph’s son, Joe:

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of my father, Joe Espitia.

I am extremely thankful for everyone who has reached out. Your love means the world to my family and I. A special thank you to my wife (Taylor,) family, and friends who have physically, mentally, and spiritually been with me during this volatile time. The outpouring of love we have received has been comforting.

My father was an avid Bears, Bulls, and White Sox fan. He was a true ride or die fan. Seeing my dad hooked up to a bunch of machines was tough to observe last night. In classic fashion, my dad was able to make light of the situation and asked me “how are the White Sox doing in spring training?” (He was serious.) I think it is fair to say I inherited my passion for sports from my dad.

My dad was always able to see the best in people. Example, my dad pointing out ALL of the positives in this years Chicago Bears team while we were watching them play against the Eagles. For those who don’t follow football, the Bears were literally the worst team in the NFL lol.

My dad instilled confidence in me at an early age and for that I am forever grateful. He would constantly tell me “you can do anything you put your mind to,” and he said it with such conviction that I LITERALLY believed him. So much so, I LITERALLY THOUGHT I HAD A CHANCE TO PLAY IN THE NBA… until my genius older brother Marc educated me on how genetics work lololol.

My dad was a huge fan of James Brown, Bruce Lee, Batman, and dancing. He was NOT afraid to tout his dancing skills and he would frequently proclaim that he would one day return to his prime dancing form. Well dad, today is the day you make your grand return to the dance floor.

Lastly, my dad was a devout Christian and he was proud to share his belief in God. His faith was certainly tested in his final days. Dad, if you are reading this, I want you to know that I admired your ability to take the high road time and time again, especially many times when it would have been easier to do otherwise. I selfishly wish you were still here with us, but I have comfort in knowing you are no longer in pain AND you have been reunited with Maria, Bobby, and all of those who have gone before us.

Sorry for the long message dad, I guess you can say I am returning the favor for all of your long messages over the years.

If anyone is still reading this message, I politely ask that you share this message with loved ones in the same fashion as my dad (IYKYK) “Joey, have you seen my Facebook message I sent you? Please share it with your brother” Life is precious and we never know the day or the hour that we will depart this Earth. What I would give to have my dad email me or send me one more Facebook message.

Until we meet again Dad,

God Bless and Love,

Your son Joe

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