John Joseph Esher

John Joseph Esher, of Williamsburg, VA, passed into the arms of his Lord on May 17, 2016. Born in Darby, PA March 6, 1945 John was one of four children of Sam and Kathleen Esher who both preceded him in death as did his older brothers, Matthew and Michael. His sister, Maryellen Doyle lives next door to the family home in Folsom, PA.

John was a star athlete at St. James Catholic High School for Boys and lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He was granted a full football scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As he finished the last course of his undergraduate degree (BA Education, ’68) he met his future bride, Cynthia Strope and they married in 1969. John served in the Air Force including a tour in Saigon, Vietnam where he taught English as a foreign language to Vietnamese officers. He taught history at Chester High School in Pennsylvania. He earned a Master’s degree in Education from Antioch University. The family, now including daughter Loren, moved to northern Virginia where John owned a Baskin-Robbins Franchise for 13 years. Always the teacher, John demonstrated to his employees, mostly teenagers, the values of honesty and integrity. He then worked for Crestar (now SunTrust) Bank rising from teller to Vice President—again teaching as he handled a number of conversions following bank acquisitions. John and Cyn then transferred from Vienna, Virginia to Williamsburg in 1997. John managed the Kingsmill branch for SunTrust until 2000. He then returned to teaching at Woodside High School in Newport News until retirement in 2010.

He was an avid golfer and spent many hours on the fairways and greens of Two Rivers Country Club. He served his community through Colonial Capitol Kiwanis Club. He also was a passionate gardener, proud of his lawn, roses and the gazebo—site of many “Friday Night Gazebo Night” gatherings of friends and neighbors.

John is survived by his adoring wife of 47 years, Cynthia; his beautiful daughter, Loren with her husband, Tom Lane; and his four active grandchildren, Caitlyn Anne, Megan Elizabeth, Shannon Terese and Thomas Esher.

He was never far from his furry friends: the two dogs (Augie and Annie) and 11 cats (Fergy, Lambchop, Jenkins, Patches, Bits, Pieces, Sam, Duke, Michelob, Budweiser and Yetta) who are waiting for him at Rainbow Bridge. Back at home, wondering where Dad is, are dogs Niko and Peanut and cat Stickers.

A celebration of Life will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg from 6-8 pm Sunday May 22 followed by a Funeral Mass at St Bede Catholic Church at 10:30 am Monday May 23. Following interment at the St Bede Columbarium there will be a reception at Two Rivers Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Williamsburg Relay for Life Team, “Governor's Land Rovers”. 11835 Canon Boulevard, Suite A102, Newport News, VA 23606.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.