Richard Van Esselstine

Richard was born January 2, 1951 in Morristown, New Jersey. He lived with his family in Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey and graduated from Parsippany High School in 1969. He married his first wife, Jane, in 1971. Before settling in Tallahassee in 1980, they lived in New Jersey, Colorado, Wyoming, and Deland, Florida. Richard and Jane divorced in 1989.

He worked for Saben Appliances and briefly owned a restaurant, Nifty 50s, on Capital Circle. Richard worked for Wal-Mart for many years in several positions, but most notably as a department manager. Following his retirement from Wal-Mart, he worked part-time as an insurance premium auditor until 2016, when he fully retired.

In the late 90s, Richard met the love of his life, Angie. Together with their best friend, Henry, they enjoyed many activities together including camping, traveling, and fishing. He loved to cook, watch football, collect all things FSU, and spend time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Angie; two sons, Todd VanEsselstine (Beth) and Toby VanEsselstine; daughter, Taryn Myron (Chuck); sister, Ruth Garbarini; brother, Roy VanEsselstine (Holly); aunt, Norma Piro; stepchildren Ryan Conner and Sarah Palmer; three granddaughters, Sierra, Brea, and Kylie; nephews Roy (Danielle) and Morgen (Stephanie); niece, Candice; and many cousins, in-laws, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth (2006) and Richard (1985), brother Norman (2022) and first wife, Jane (2015).

A memorial service will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, located at 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32312, United States. The service is scheduled for January 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

The Van Esselstine Family would like to invite all guests to a catered reception following the memorial service.