Esteban

Urbina

In Loving Memory of Esteban A. Urbina

Esteban A. Urbina, a pillar of strength and resilience, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024, at his home in Hollister, California, surrounded by the warmth of his loving wife and devoted family. He was 97 years old.

Esteban was born on September 2, 1926, in the small town of General Cepeda, in the Northern Mexican state of Coahuila, to Isidoro Urbina and Francisca Almaguer. He was one of nine cherished siblings. Growing up in humble beginnings, Esteban exemplified perseverance from an early age, receiving a modest grade school education before dutifully tending to the family's needs by working on the family farm.

On March 30, 1946, Esteban embarked on a lifelong journey of love and partnership with his beloved Ana Maria Osoria, whom he married in their hometown of General Cepeda. Together, they weathered the trials of life with unwavering commitment and devotion.

Driven by a steadfast determination to provide a better future for their growing family, Esteban courageously ventured to the United States under the Bracero Program, while Ana remained in Mexico to nurture their seven precious daughters. From 1950 to 1954, Esteban toiled alongside his brothers as a seasonal farm worker across the Southern US, enduring hardships in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.

In 1955, fueled by a fervent desire for progress, Esteban and Ana made the difficult decision to relocate their family permanently to the United States. This path led Esteban first to McAllen, Texas, where he honed his craft as a tailor, before settling in California, where he found employment as a farm worker and later at Tri Valley Growers Cannery in Hollister.

Despite the physical distance separating him from Ana and their children, Esteban's unwavering resolve bore fruit, and in 1962, he joyfully reunited his family in Hollister, where they planted roots in a nurturing community. These roots included having three more loving children. Active members of the Sacred Heart Church, Esteban and Ana epitomized the values of faith, resilience, and unity.

Over the span of 32 years, Esteban dedicated himself to labor in Hollister's canneries and farms, supplemented by his craftsmanship as a tailor at Ford's department store. A lifelong learner, he seized every opportunity to expand his knowledge and skills, using his expertise to assist others in navigating the complexities of US immigration and government processes.

In recognition of their commitment to education, family, and community, Esteban and his family were honored as the "Family of the Year" in 1996 by the San Benito League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). A compassionate soul, Esteban served on the board of the San Benito Health Foundation, advocating for access to essential health services for underprivileged families.  He was also an active and leading member of the local AA chapter, and supported many people with their sobriety.

Proud to call himself a US citizen, Esteban appreciated his ability to participate in civic life, happily casting his vote in local and national elections. His heart swelled with pride as he witnessed five of his children graduate from esteemed universities, including Santa Clara University, San Jose State and UCLA, and his son bravely serve as a Marine in the Persian Gulf War.

Beyond his tireless work ethic and dedication to his family, Esteban found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Renowned for his infectious energy on the dance floor, he danced with a charisma uniquely his own, earning comparisons to the legendary Cantinflas. His passion for craftsmanship extended to his love of crafting Mexican charro suits and restoring cars, a skill he generously shared with loved ones.

Esteban is preceded in death by his parents, his son Esteban Jr., and daughters Lucia Urbina Llamas, Teresa Urbina, and Rosalba Urbina. He is survived by his beloved wife of 78 years, Ana Maria Osoria, his children, Yolanda (John) Benavides, Ana (Sergio) Trujillo, Frances Urbina, Elena (Tom) Urbina Burke, Sandra Urbina, Cindy (Salvador) Urbina Moreno, 22 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Delfino Urbina and Isidra Urbina, and many treasured cousins,  nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all friends and relatives who join them in celebrating Esteban's remarkable life. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.