Benigno Esparza

May 16, 1936 - January 20, 2014

Was born on May 16, 1936 in Santa Barbara, California to Ysidro Esparza and Teresa (Urzua) Esparza. He grew up on Matthews Street in Goleta, surrounded by a large, loving, and full-of-life family. He spent his youth working with his Dad and brothers, and having fun at Goleta Beach. Bennie attended Goleta Union School, and later Santa Barbara High School.Bennie's career was full, accomplished, and an integral part of his life. He started out as a machinist, later becoming an accomplished tool designer and engineer. After spending 22 years at Santa Barbara Research Center (a subsidiary of Hughes Aircraft), he retired to pursue the dream of running his own machine shop. The respect of his peers, and the long-lasting friendships that resulted from his long career were some of the most cherished parts of his life.Throughout his life, Bennie enjoyed basketball, tennis, jogging, riding his bike, sailing with his brother Sid, playing his guitar, and music. And always, there was Family.He was preceded in death by his father and mother, several of his brothers, and a grandson. Bennie was a son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and is survived by his 5 children; Ben Esparza, Ann Lynette Winton, Jeff Esparza, Michelle Weeks, and Ken Esparza, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his surviving siblings; brothers Tony Esparza, Louis Esparza, Pasqual Esparza, David Esparza, and his sister Lupe Casarez , as well as many nieces and nephews.Bennie was married twice; once to Diane Cruz and once to Donna Esparza (Ortega).A gathering will held at noon on Sunday ,January 26th, 2014 at Goleta Beach to remember Bennie. Friends and Family are invited to come share their memories and love of Bennie.