Raul Esplana

Raul S. Esplana of Vallejo, CA, passed from this world of sorrow into the heavenly realm of peace on September 18, 2022 at the age of 69. He died peacefully with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 26, 1953 in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines, son of late Robert and Josefina Esplana. Raul is survived by his wife, Theresa “Mama” Esplana, children: daughter Marisa Blatt (Paul Blatt), son Joseph Raul “JR” Esplana (Jennifer Esplana), and daughter Jessica Romero (Niko Romero); 11 grandchildren: Raul, Robert, Alisa, Emily, Abbie, Vincent, Casara, Cyniah, Elias, Giovanni, and Jenisa; his fur babies, Bailey and Tottie. He is also survived by his siblings (he was the 6th eldest of 11 children): late sister Carmelita Baluyot (Ricardo Baluyot), sister Florence Rosales (Romy Rosales), brother Carmelo Esplana (Winry Esplana), brother Avelino Esplana (Imelda Esplana), sister Erlinda Lesaca (Freddie Lesaca), brother Roland Esplana (late Debbie Esplana), sister Virginia Picazo (late Enrique Picazo), brother Romy Esplana (Angela Esplana), sister Fe Martinez (Noel Martinez), and sister Melinda Esplana (Roland Fernandez); countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Raul was known to his grandchildren as “Papa” and known to many as “Pops”. Papa loved picking up his grandchildren from school, bringing them to 711 to buy their favorite chips and candy. Their Papa loved cooking their favorite dishes and made sure they were full. He spoiled each and every one of them without hesitation, even when they were mischievous. His children, nephews, and nieces loved his Filipino dishes. His favorite dish to cook was his famous Laing. He would cook and cook, and loved to watch everyone eat. He made sure to call and sing a complete Happy Birthday song on everyone’s birthday as well as making Pancit or Spaghetti. Raul was a big time fan of sports. He enjoyed watching the 49ers, SF Giants, and Warriors. He enjoyed wearing his jerseys and sports attire every chance he could. In Raul’s spare time, he watched “Price is Right” with his Mama (Theresa), and Bailey and Tottie at his feet. He played Slotomania, challenged himself with word puzzles, and listened to music while he cooked, especially Bob Marley and 70’s music. He learned the world of Facebook and would constantly post many selfies, photos of his cooked dishes, his grandchildren, Mama’s plants and flowers, and his fur babies. He ended his nights with a FaceTime call or good night texts to make sure he told his children and grandchildren that he loved them. Pops was such an amazing, fun, loving, humorous, and compassionate man. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone that knew him. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 4pm-7pm at Fairfield Funeral Home, 1750 Pennsylvania Ave. Fairfield, CA. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 11am at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church 925 Sacramento St. Vallejo, CA. The Burial Procession will follow at Rockville Cemetery 4219 Suisun Valley Rd. Fairfield, CA.

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Raul Esplana

March 26, 1953 - September 18, 2022