March 28, 2024

Jerry Lee Espinosa

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Jerry Lee Espinosa, 55, of Rehoboth, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Teris Leigh (Pritt) Espinosa, to whom he was married on May 27, 1990 in Haymarket, Va.

Born on Jan. 1, 1962 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, he was the son of Paul J. Espinosa and the late JoAnne R. (Thornton) Espinosa.

A graduate of North Attleboro High School, Class of 1981, he was an outstanding athlete and remains that school’s single-season record holder for points in track and field. He then attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he competed as a Division I Collegiate Track and Field Athlete.

Along with his wife, Jerry was the owner and operator of Fitness Together in North Attleboro and Mansfield. He began his career in the fitness industry working throughout the country for Bally Total Fitness and Health and Tennis Corporation of America, where he became Area Vice President of the Northeast.

In March 2001, he was carjacked, stabbed multiple times, and critically injured. It was during his recovery he realized the importance of taking each day as a gift of life, and in 2008, he and his wife then established Fitness Together in North Attleboro, and later in Mansfield.

A resident of Rehoboth for the past 15 years, he previously lived in Attleboro. He attended His Providence Church in Seekonk.

Jerry was a lifelong fitness professional, coach, athlete, and personal trainer who was passionate about helping people of all ages to be fit for life. He was a warm, caring, and compassionate man who loved coaching and working with others, and was an ardent football fan, especially of the Nebraska Huskers.

Christian faith played an important role in Jerry’s life. Never shy in sharing the gospel, he wanted with all his heart for others to know about Jesus. He and his wife together were deeply committed to hosting and keeping a Bible study specifically helping marriages over the past 10 years. They also joined forces with another couple, the Jacksons, to feed and bring clothes, toiletries, and blankets on Monday nights in Pawtucket and Providence to those in need. Jerry could often be found sitting and listening to the stories of those with whom he would meet, praying with them, and leaving them with the hope of Jesus Christ.

More than anything in his life, Jerry deeply loved his family and he savored spending time with them and with his faithful dog, “Nina”.

In addition to his wife and father, he leaves his cherished children: Brian M. Espinosa and Brooke A. Espinosa, both of Rehoboth. He had a very special place in his heart for Courtney Leigh Pritt of Blackstone, who was like a daughter to him and was the daughter of his wife’s late brother. He was the brother of Michael T. Espinosa and his husband, Daniel M. Cardoza, of Rehoboth, and Michelle K. Pagliaro of Providence. He was the nephew of Gloria R. (Prout) Carbone of Providence, and her late husband, Louis V. Carbone. Jerry leaves his nephew, Joseph N. Pagliaro and his great-niece, Aliyah M. Pagliaro; his wife’s nephews and nieces: Jayson Davis, Corey Pritt, Jessica Pritt, Sara Pritt, Stephanie Hair, Joshua Pritt, and Blake Moore; his extended family, and many, many dear friends, all of whom will sorely miss him.

Friends and family are cordially invited to honor and remember Jerry by gathering for a visitation on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Good News Bible Chapel, 235 West St., Attleboro, immediately followed by a funeral service at 6 p.m. at Good News Bible Chapel.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry’s family requests donations be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451-8750, or at www.heart.org.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Ave., Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. 508-695-0200.

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