Esmeralda Cruz Espino

Dr. Esmeralda Cruz Espino, a respected Geriatric physician, Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, and lifelong resident of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born on January 16, 1942, in San Miguel, Bulacan, Philippines, Esmeralda was the beloved daughter of Vicente and Angelina Espino.

She earned her Doctor of Medicine and Surgery degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1973 at just 21 years old. She was fluent in three languages and dedicated her life to the care of others.

Esmeralda is survived by her loving son, Joseph Cruz Espino, and his wife, Destiny Espino.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Vicente and Angelina Espino, and her grandchild, Baby Espino.

A devoted mother, physician, and woman of deep faith, Esmeralda was a member of the Franciscan Third Order and active in her church community. She was instrumental in forming several Filipino social and religious groups in Michigan and Northeast Ohio, including helping to establish the Michigan Santo Niño devotion and the early Youngstown Filipino-American Organization of Northeast Ohio.

Esmeralda's kindness, spiritual devotion, and commitment to community will be deeply missed by her family, friends, patients, and all who knew her.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in Schiavone Funeral Home, 1842 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504 and on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM in Saint Edward Catholic Church, 238 Tod Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM and Military Honors. A Franciscan Wake Service will be held at the church at 11:45 AM Saturday morning.