Culver City Observer -

Thomas Castenada Esquivel, Jr, 53, passed away on November 17.

He was born on October 6, 1961 in Santa Monica to Thomas C. Sr. and Maria Rachel Esquivel, both deceased.

Thomas lived in Culver City his entire life. He graduated from Palisades High in 1980. After high school he attended West Los Angeles College and Santa Monica College with interest in Administration of Justice.

Thomas was well known in the Automotive Industry. He worked for more than 30 years at various automotive shops and dealerships as a Service Advisor and Service Manager on the Westside including: Santa Monica BMW, Stokes Tires, Morgan's Automotive, and most recently worked as Service Manager at Crown Limo in Culver City.

If you visit any automotive business on the Westside, they are guaranteed to know Tom because of his automotive knowledge and the dedication to always providing not only good detailed workmanship, but also excellent and kind customer service

In his off time he loved to buy and restore classic cars. His collection included a 1967 1602 BMW, a 1959 T-Bird (just like his father had), and was honored to be the entrusted with a 1987 Mustang 5.0 that belonged to his best friend Robert who passed away from Leukemia.

Thomas was a member of many car clubs and enjoyed showing his car collection at many charity car shows. Cars were not just the way he made his living, it was his passion.

Thomas married Leslie Johnson in 1985 in Pacific PalisadesA. They were happily married for 29 years. Together they have two boys, David Lawrence Esquivel, 27, and Brian Thomas Esquivel, 26. They have two grandchildren: Zavior David Esquivel, 5, and Sophia Esquivel, 8 months. He is survived by his sister Maria, from DE, and his brother Anthony Esquivel of Orange County.

His nephews include: Luis Rodriguez of DE, Ashton Amores of Downey and Eric Amores of Downey. He is survived by his nieces: Karina Rodriguez Russell from NJ, Olga Rodriguez of WV, Chelsea Esquivel of Orange County and Juliana Esquivel of Orange County.

The extension of relatives and friends are endless, and he loved every moment he got to spend with each one of them.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Gates Kingsley Gates in Culver City on December 13 at 10 am. Reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to The American Diabetes Association and The Center for Research to Find A Cure For Leukemia.