Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service: New Castle, Henry County, Indiana - Obituary for Mariano G. Espiritu

Mariano Espiritu

January 21, 1921 -

September 11, 2009

Mariano G. Espiritu, age 88, of New Castle, passed away Friday, September 11, 2009 at his residence, following an extended illness. He was born January 21, 1921 in Paranaque Rizal, Philippines, a son of the late Apolonio and Felicidad (Garcia) Espiritu.

 
 

Mariano was honored to have served during World War II under U.S. General Jonathan Wainwright, who commanded American and Filipino forces in the last days of Corregidor and Bataan in 1942, thus surviving the Bataan Death March. He graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila, and spent much of his productive work life as a lawyer for Mobil Oil Company in the Philippines. He was well respected as a gifted, compassionate leader who exhibited a passion for justice, seeking to resolve conflicts and reconcile issues between labor union workers and corporate management employees, with an eye toward maintaining fairness to each party and equity for all concerned.

 
 

At great personal expense, he lived out his convictions in advocating for the marginalized masses of workers as a small, fledging nation grew its business through some tumultuous times in the marketplace of Southeast Asia. Down and out of work, he was subsequently vindicated, restored with back compensation and promoted in employment by the company to provide further counsel for management's successful labor relations. God had brought him to deep lows and raised him to great heights for such a time as this.

 
 

Mariano also served as President of the National Oil Workers Union while in the Philippines and was an active member of the Filipino United Church of Christ, where he also served as the President of the church choir. Immigrating to America in 1972, Mariano resided in New York and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon, NY. In 2007, Mariano and his wife moved to New Castle to be close to their son and his family.

 
 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 52 years, Natividad L. Espiritu of New Castle; a daughter, Marina Espiritu Lutz, and her husband Charles of Newark, DE; a son, The Reverend M. Rex (wife, Melissa) Espiritu of New Castle; granddaughters, Laurella E. Lutz of Newark, DE, Christina Espiritu at Huntington University, Hannah, Grace, Tabitha, Priscilla and Sara Espiritu, all of New Castle; a sister, Maria Espiritu Nannie of Seaside, CA; a niece, Nila (husband, Ed) Dimangondayao of Oak Forest, IL, nephews, Dr. Vicente (wife, Doris) E. Velasco III of Phoenix, AZ, Noel E. (wife, Gigi) Velasco of Providence, RI, and Levi E. (wife, Diane) Velasco of Wheaton, IL; a half sister, Prescila Espiritu of Reno, NV, and a half brother, Efren Espiritu of Hawaii.

 
 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Leonila and a brother, Godofredo.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection in Celebration of the life of Mariano will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle with the Reverend Dr. Rose Niles officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, 1202 Church St., New Castle, IN 47362 or at www.newcastlefpc.org or with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com

 
 

Inserted from <http://hinsey-brown.com/pages/details.cfm?obituaryID=401>

The Courier Times - New Castle, IN | Mariano G. Espiritu

Friday, September 11, 2009     Mariano G. Espiritu     Friday, September 11, 2009         Mariano G. Espiritu, age 88, of New Castle passed away Friday, September 11, 2009 at his residence, following an extended illness. He was born January 21, 1921 in Paranaque Rizal, Philippines, a son of the late Apolonio and Felicidad (Garcia) Espiritu.     Mariano was honored to have served during World War II under U.S. General Jonathan Wainwright, who commanded American and Filipino forces in the last days of Corregidor and Bataan in 1942, thus surviving the Bataan Death March.     He graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila, and spent much of his productive work life as a lawyer for Mobil Oil Company in the Philippines. He was well respected as a gifted, compassionate leader who exhibited a passion for justice, seeking to resolve conflicts and reconcile issues between labor union workers and corporate management employees, with an eye toward maintaining fairness to each party and equity for all concerned.     At great personal expense, he lived out his convictions in advocating for the marginalized masses of workers as a small, fledging nation grew its business through some tumultuous times in the marketplace of Southeast Asia. Down and out of work, he was subsequently vindicated, restored with back compensation and promoted in employment by the company to provide further counsel for management's successful labor relations. God had brought him to deep lows and raised him to great heights for such a time as this.     Mariano also served as President of the National Oil Workers Union while in the Philippines and was an active member of the Filipino United Church of Christ, where he also served as the President of the church choir. Immigrating to America in 1972, Mariano resided in New York and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon, NY. In 2007, Mariano and his wife moved to New Castle to be close to their son and his family.     He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 52 years, Natividad L. Espiritu of New Castle; a daughter, Marina Espiritu Lutz, and her husband Charles of Newark, DE; a son, The Reverend M. Rex (wife, Melissa) Espiritu of New Castle; granddaughters, Laurella E. Lutz of Newark, DE, Christina Espiritu at Huntington University, Hannah, Grace, Tabitha, Priscilla and Sara Espiritu, all of New Castle; a sister, Maria Espiritu Nannie of Seaside, CA; a niece, Nila (husband, Ed) Dimangondayao of Oak Forest, IL, nephews, Dr. Vicente (wife, Doris) E. Velasco III of Phoenix, AZ, Noel E. (wife, Gigi) Velasco of Providence, RI, and Levi E. (wife, Diane) Velasco of Wheaton, IL; a half sister, Prescila Espiritu of Reno, NV, and a half brother, Efren Espiritu of Hawaii.     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Leonila and a brother, Godofredo.     A Service of Witness to the Resurrection in Celebration of the life of Mariano will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle with the Reverend Dr. Rose Niles officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, 1202 Church St., New Castle, IN 47362 or at www.newcastlefpc.org or with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com     Sept. 11, 2009
Content © 2009 the Courier-Times
Software © 1998-2009 1up! Software, All Rights Reserved

 
 

Inserted from <http://thecouriertimes.com/print.asp?ArticleID=240560&SectionID=9&SubSectionID=24>

The Courier Times - New Castle, IN | Religious Perspectives: Holy scriptures useful in dire economic times

Friday, September 04, 2009     Religious Perspectives: Holy scriptures useful in dire economic times     By REX ESPIRITU First Presbyterian Church     Friday, September 04, 2009         As we continue to face the challenges of our current global economy, it seems fitting on this Labor Day weekend to reflect upon the Word given to us concerning the fruit of our labors. In this day and age when gainful employment appears scarce for many, particularly in our region, the encouragement of ancient words can be a solid source of comfort in times of need.     No matter what financial situation we may find ourselves in, regardless of our current economic circumstances, the holy scriptures provide for us a strong sense of purpose, dignity and identity in the One in whose image we were made.     The apostle in Paul's letter to the saints in Ephesus writes that "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) And in the Hebrew Torah, we read and hear God saying, "Let us make humankind in our image." (Genesis 1:26).     From the first account of creation in the Pentateuch to the Epistles of the New Testament, the words of Holy Scripture echo through the chambers of our existence in time and space, proclaiming who we really are and what we have been created for.     The Labor Day holiday reminds me of my father, who spent much of his productive work life as a lawyer in the Philippines. My Dad was well respected as a gifted, compassionate leader who exhibited a passion for justice, seeking to resolve conflicts and reconcile issues between labor union workers and corporate management employees, with an eye toward maintaining fairness to each party and equity for all concerned.     At great personal expense, he lived out his convictions in advocating for the marginalized masses of workers as a small, fledgling nation grew its businesses through some tumultuous times in the marketplace of southeast Asia. Down and out of work, he was subsequently vindicated, restored with back compensation and promoted in employment by the company to provide further counsel for management's successful labor relations. God had brought him to deep lows and raised him to great heights for such a time as this.     Likewise in our own community, we have an opportunity this week to rise to the occasion and take up a cause for which we as people made in God's image may advocate for God's children among us. The Psalm (127:1) of Solomon tells us that "unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."     As such, leaders in our community have sensed the call of the Lord to fasting and prayers of intercession for the safety of, wisdom and grace for teachers, staff and administration, students and parents in the school systems of New Castle and surrounding areas.     I encourage you to join in praying together with your fellow sisters and brothers in communities of faith. Ask the Lord how God would like to use you in these days as we seek His face for the better future of our community.     On Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., Sept. 13, many of us will be praying on site with insight at various area schools. In addition, over the next week leading up to that day, various church congregations are designating a day of fasting and prayer in a joint effort to intercede for God's blessing of folks in our schools. For more information, contact Tisha Sledd, Director of Women of Hope at 765-593-9767 tishasledd@yahoo.com or visit the web site of the Henry County Ministerial Association at www.HCministers.org
Content © 2009 the Courier-Times
Software © 1998-2009 1up! Software, All Rights Reserved

 
 

Inserted from <http://thecouriertimes.com/print.asp?ArticleID=240285&SectionID=25&SubSectionID=42>