Elkin E. Escobar

Elkin E. Escobar, 48, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 with his Hunny and his Boo by his side. He loved his little family above all else, so it was God’s plan for him to take his final breath in the comfort of his wife and daughter’s presence. Elkin endured a long fight for healing and better health, and he was finally granted the pain-free eternal rest he deserved. He found comfort in knowing he would be reunited with those he lost over the years, and he was reminded every day how much he was loved and would be missed, and that his legacy would continue. Elkin’s love and devotion to his family and friends was impossible to overlook. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need and could be counted on in any situation. If you truly knew Elkin, you knew he would bend over backwards for you and did favors without expecting anything in return, but he definitely wouldn’t let you take him for granted! His passion for teaching others the skills he acquired through life experiences was apparent in his work and every day life. He was always learning and teaching himself how to fix and build things and would figure out the impossible every time. He loved problem solving in any situation and loved sharing with others how to do the same. Elkin’s greatest joy and sense of purpose came from sitting on the bucket. An incredible amount of hours spent with his cherished daughter Sophia on the softball field led to their ultimate goal of her signing to play in college. Elkin began the journey with Sophia coaching kindergarten t-ball, which continued through rec ball, coaching travel ball, then finally coaching softball at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, FL. It was there that he witnessed her pitching perfect games, reaching 500 strikeouts for her high school career, and leading the team to winning districts in 2025 for the first time in over a decade. Seeing her graduate high school with major academic and athletic accomplishments was the icing on the cake for Elkin, and he couldn’t be prouder of the person Sophia was becoming. The only thing that topped that was seeing her on the mound pitching for her college team, which became the proudest accomplishment the duo worked hard together for. Softball became the center of the Escobar family’s life and will continue to bring comfort knowing the hard work and dedication lives on because of Elkin’s dream for his daughter. He always knew she’d go great things and become somebody special. Elkin instilled many valuable lessons in her that she will carry on throughout her life. He was the best dad for Sophia, and the strong bond they formed will never be broken. It may seem his days were full, but when he wasn’t on the softball field, four wheeling, riding motorcycles, slinging pizza at Papi’s, or working full time for local city or county municipalities, he was a devoted volunteer first responder in NY. He began his firefighter career in the Hillburn Fire Department where became a Lieutenant and earned the title of top responder for the year. He was then a member of the Suffern Fire Department in the Hook & Ladder Co, then finished his volunteer career in the Spring Lake Fire Department after moving upstate. He loved running drills and furthering his firefighter education by taking as many classes as possible and earned many certifications over the years. When that pager went off he was running out the door before the last signal sounded and lived for the rush of helping others. His family was proud of his devotion to the departments and loved seeing him dressed in uniform marching in the annual parades. He took his work in the fire department seriously, and after 13 years of volunteer service, it was missed tremendously after moving to FL. Elkin was born in Medellin, Colombia and immigrated to the United States when he was just 8 years old. He had to quickly learn a different language and a different way of life, but it was a blessing and we are all grateful God led him on the path that brought us all together. Elkin met his future wife at a friend’s party 25 years ago on 8/11/01, took her on their first date on 8/20/01, became forever Valentines when they married on 2/14/04, and the rest is history. Their love story stood trials and tribulations and the test of time, but it is truly one for the ages and they would have chosen each other again and again. Elkin is survived by his devoted wife of 22 years, Miranda (Ede) Escobar, daughter Sophia Escobar, mother Gladys Osorio, sisters Victoria Ortiz (Angel) and Syndy Escobar, niece Veronica Cano, nephews Alex Cano, Elkin Escobar, Sebastian Escobar, Shane Loaiza, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins both here in the US and Colombia. He is predeceased by his father Elkin J. Escobar (2024), brothers Gonzalo Escobar (2004) and Jose Loaiza (2023), and niece Ariana Montoya (2020). Entrusted to the care of Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, where friends and family may visit on Tuesday, August 18th from 5:00-8:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108 on Wednesday, August 19th at 10:30 AM. Entombment will take place on at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 on Thursday, August 20th at 11:00AM. The Escobar family is grateful for the loving and compassionate care Elkin received from Avow Hospice in his final journey. Please consider donating to Avow in Elkin’s memory to continue helping other patients in need. www.avowcares.org

Elkin E. Escobar

August 19, 1977 - August 11, 2026