Thomas J. Essman

Thomas J. Essman, 75, of New Albany, passed away at his home in his sleep succumbing to mesothelioma peacefully on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Tom was born on September 15, 1940 in Columbus to the late Robert P. and Hope (Hastilow) Essman. Tom was the middle of three children, and was preceded in death by younger sister Dianne Lawrence. He graduated from Mount Vernon Academy located in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie (Fortner) on June 19, 1960. Tom was employed at Harrop Industries from May 1959, remaining faithfully employed for 50 years, retiring in September 2009 as operations managers. He loved to work and be an active contributor to the company where his father once worked with him.

Tom and Bonnie have two children, Connie (Brad) Essman-Wood and Chris, of whom he was extremely loving and proud. He actively participated in their lives from attending granddaughter Meghan’s band events to discussing the love of cars with grandson Drake, and spending time with his loving and caring grandson Baine. Although he accomplished much during his life, he was most proud of the accomplishment of his family. Other surviving family include sister Margaret (Lowell) Hatch and nieces Vickie Hatch and Cindy (Mack) Hatch.

Tom was a humble man, remembered by many for the lives he touched for his caring demeanor. Tom was a devoted disciple for the church, where he was known to take care of the landscaping, painting and any other odds and ends to help maintain the Lord’s house. While serving the church, he held numerous positions: school board, church board, deacon, finance committee and organizer of many church work bees. He will be remembered for his work ethic and fulfilling his parent’s motto, “many hands make light work”. Family and friends could always rely upon Tom’s helping hand. He was known for his generosity to others, laughter and the natural ability to make people feel loved.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 3, 2016 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna from 5-8PM and again at Buller Room, Worthington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 385 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Worthington, OH, 43085 from 10-11AM on Friday where a funeral service will be held at 11AM with Pastors Yuliyan Filipov and Bobby McGhee officiating. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in New Albany.

In lieu of flowers:

Charles Hastilow 614-419-2052, is collecting donations for a tree to plant at the church with a plaque in Dads name on a bench underneath.