Oscar Espinas

Oscar Espinas will be forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, intellect, and big heart. Known for his warm smile, Oscar embraced everyone into the Espinas family. Oscar was born in Polangui, Philippines in 1938 to Santiago Espinas and Magdalena Encisa. He was one of six children. 

Influenced by his father who had to drop out of medical school prior to completion to take care of his family, Oscar decided to follow the same dream. He completed medical school at the University Of Santo Tomas in 1962. The following year, Oscar left the Philippines to continue his medical studies in the United States. He did an internship at Kansas University then residencies in neurology at the University of Wisconsin and the Truman Medical Center in Missouri. He wrapped up his studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. 

Oscar married Carmen Gomez in 1970 while living in New York. Shortly after, they gave birth to their first son Steve in Brooklyn. During this time, he practiced medicine at the Coney Island Hospital. Eventually, the couple made their journey to California in 1972 where Oscar began his work at the VA Hospital in Fremont. Shortly after, they gave birth to three more boys: Paul, Jim, and Carlo. Oscar set up a private practice in Fremont, California and practiced there as a neurologist for over 30 years. 

Oscar and Carmen loved playing tennis and spending time with their circle of church friends and Filipino community. Oscar was a member of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California and went on several medical missions to the Philippines. Oscar also loved to travel and especially loved to play blackjack often joking that he could pay for the trip with his winnings.

Towards the end of his life, Oscar was resilient and still held a smile each day as he spoke to his family on the phone each week. His grandchildren loved spending time with Oscar especially at frequent family dim sum gatherings. 

Oscar passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 31, 2021 due to complications from pneumonia. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, his sons Steve, Paul, Jim, and Carlo, and his grandchildren Mia, Kai, Clementine, Camille, and Carly, and siblings Ofelia and Roger. Oscar will be forever in our hearts and dearly missed. 

Those in the community who may have crossed paths with Oscar are welcome to share memories or tributes on the memorial page: https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/OscarEspinas/