Obituaries

Steven Espinoza, retired officer, passes away

Steven Espinoza, a retired correctional officer, passed away March 8, 2024. He worked for the department for nearly two decades, retiring in 2019.

Obituary photo of Steven Espinoza, a retired correctional officer.
Steven Espinoza

Espinoza began his career with the department as a cadet in July 2001. After graduating the Basic Correctional Officer Academy, he reported for duty to Salinas Valley State Prison in October 2001.

He transferred to California State Prison, Corcoran, in November 2002. He then transferred to Kern Valley State Prison in June 2005, where he remained until retiring in November 2019.

Memorial services are not finalized at this time.


Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).

Recent obituaries

Michael ‘Wojo’ Wojtowicz, retired sergeant

Michael ‘Wojo’ Wojtowicz, a retired correctional sergeant, passed away Oct. 11, 2026. He began his career with the department in…

Michael Gillham, retired correctional officer

Michael Gillham, a retired correctional officer, passed away Nov. 10, 2026, He worked for the department for more than 25…

Juan Torres, retired correctional lieutenant

Juan Torres, a retired correctional lieutenant, passed away Nov. 7, 2026. His career with the department began in November 1986…