Mario Francisco Espino's Obituary
Mario Francisco Espino, a Navy Air Crewman, avid waterman, and local boy of Kailua,
Hawaii, passed unexpectedly on September 30, 2020 during a morning run through Kailua,
one day before his 33rd birthday. He was born October 01, 1987 in El Paso Texas.
Mario will be sorely missed by his wife Riana, his sister Gaby, his parents Thomas and
Elizabeth Vinigas, Mario Sr and Lulu Espino, and his entire circle of life-long friends.
Mario attended Kainalu Elementary, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and Church ,
where he was an active parishioner for 21 years, an alter server, Eucharistic minister, and a
Bible study leader. While enrolled at Kalaheo High School, Mario was active in NJROTC,
competed in inter-island triathlons and endurance challenges, and played for the school’s
soccer team. Mario also coached Gaby's soccer teams and was a lifeguard in Waikiki. He
received his Associates degree at Windward Community College while enlisted in the Navy
Reserve. Most recently, Mario was full time support as an AWF2 for VR-51 Wingjammers at
Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, which allowed him the opportunity to explore the world and
provided him with an extended Navy family that he cherished.
Mario danced hula for Kupuna Alice Pulu`elo Naipo Park, performing at the International
Marketplace, Waikiki Shell, Disneyland, and various ceremonies around Oahu. To say that
Mario was active would be an understatement. He was constantly pushing himself to the limit
and chose to live life to the fullest. Getting him to sit down or not do a backflip the minute his
feet touched the sand was a challenge. Throughout his life he played baseball, football,
soccer, and golf. He was a talented equestrian and martial artist, and excelled at anything
physical, including his most recent hobbies - snowboarding and spearfishing. Mario paddled
for various canoe clubs on the Windward side and was an avid surfer and body boarder at his
two favorite spots, Sandy’s and Pyramid Rock.
Mario was also a talented photographer. His time in the water was split equally above and
below the waves, camera in hand, photographing barrels. He and Riana grew their love for
each other, the ocean, and photography, and shared their passion with others when they
founded “Ocean Love Photography”.
Mario met the love of his life in early 2015. He married Riana on May 05, 2018, and dubbed
the day “Cinco de Espino”. Mario and Riana said their vows under a stunning sunset,
surrounded by loved ones. They spent their life together traveling the world, sharing their
passions, laughing, exploring the ocean, and spoiling their two French bulldogs.
It’s difficult to speak about Mario without using the words kind, genuine, considerate, and
inspirational. He exemplified the “Spirit of Aloha” through his love for the island, its people,
and his devotion to his wife, family, God and friends. Mario’s love of the ocean was only
surpassed by the love and aloha he spread to anyone who had the privilege of meeting him.
Mario loved bringing everyone together; he was the glue that connected us all. His main
priority was always to help others; he never let angry words affect him and never held
grudges. Mario brightened any room he stepped into, lifting people’s spirits with his good
humor and jokes. He was a mentor to those with dependency issues, enriching their lives and
encouraging them to make better decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
The light in Mario could be seen and felt by anyone lucky enough to know him. Mario had a
way of connecting with others and an ability to soften even the most guarded heart. If we
could learn from his examples of kindness, compassion, and generosity, our world would be a
brighter and more loving place. In his honor, we should always remember to laugh often, to
not take life too seriously, to care for others, to spread aloha, and to enjoy the ocean and all
life has to offer.
On the 17th of October, a private service will be held for Mario at Saint Anthony of Padua
Catholic Church, followed by a paddle out and scattering of his ashes.
What’s your fondest memory of Mario?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mario?
Share a story where Mario's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mario you’ll never forget.
How did Mario make you smile?
