“Forever Loved, Never Forgotten”
The Navy Gold Star Program is eternally grateful for the sacrifice of those Service Members who have died in service to our country. To help us to never forget, we have set up this tribute page to honor and remember the memory of those lives. If you would like to honor the memory of your Sailor, Soldier, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman through the Navy Gold Star website please submit your thoughts and a photo.
Mario Francisco Espino, a Navy Aircrewman, avid waterman, and proud local of Kailua, Hawaii, was born October 1st, 1987, in El Paso, Texas. He passed September 30th, 2020, the day before his 33rd birthday. Mario served as full-time support for VR-51 Windjammers at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, which not only allowed him the opportunity to explore the world but provided him with an extended Navy family that he deeply cherished.
Mario lived a vibrant and active life, embracing every moment to its fullest. He enjoyed traveling the world while at the same time pursuing his passions for surfing and photography. He exemplified the “Spirit of Aloha” through his profound 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 with everyone fortunate enough to have met him.