Dr. Thomas Eshbach

For 22 years through his practice, TLC Home Veterinary Services, he demonstrated his passion for the pets he treated and the bonds he formed with his clients. He was a firm believer that caring for pets was one of his purposes on this earth. To him, veterinary medicine was his calling. It was with this mindset that Thomas started his housecall practice in 2000. He wanted to have a practice in which he could treat the pets in the comfort of their own homes and communicate with the clients in a more relaxed atmosphere. His appointments were scheduled in such a way that there was plenty of time for him to sit on the floor interacting with the pet, while the client and other family members asked as many questions as they wanted. Given the personal nature of his housecall practice, Thomas became like family to so many of his clients. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1996 from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul, MN.

Prior to starting school to study veterinary medicine, Thomas was a board certified Physician Assistant, graduating in 1985 from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA. He spent his entire career as a Physician Assistant caring for the inmates at the Lancaster County Jail in Lancaster, PA.

Thomas believed his other purpose on earth was to take care of his wife, Roseann (known by many as “Rosie”). The couple met on moving-in day, freshman year of college at Virginia Tech in September 1980, and married five years later in September 1985. Throughout their nearly 37-year marriage, Thomas demonstrated a steadfast commitment to Roseann and a never-quit attitude, despite the many challenges they faced. He became Roseann’s eyes, after a drunk driver took her sight in 2008. More importantly, he was the wind beneath her wings. Thomas was supportive, encouraging, and a true life partner.

Although he had no children, Thomas provided a forever home to many dogs and various other critters over his lifetime. All of his dogs were special to him, but it is no secret that the bulldogs were his favorites.

Thomas was an active member of Lifepoint Church (Stafford campus), and a man of strong faith. He was willing to do whatever was needed, no matter the task, and could be seen every Sunday morning out in the parking lot picking up trash before services no matter the weather. He lived out his relationship with Jesus every day by honoring the two greatest commandments of loving God and loving others.

Those who know Thomas best describe him as kind, gentle, giving, patient, loving and, yes, stubborn. He would describe himself as someone who “looked for the easy.” This latter character trait created a constant source of tension in his life as his ADD and Parkinson’s disease made life more challenging.

Thomas was an avid Marvel, Star Trek, and Star Wars fan. Some of his favorite memories were movie dates with his brothers and nephew, sharing comics with his brothers and his adopted “nephews,” and Star Trek watch parties with friends.

He is survived by his wife, Roseann Eshbach of Fredericksburg; his two older brothers and their wives, Robert and Rebecca Eshbach of Virginia Beach, and Philip and Libby Eshbach of Charlottesville; and one nephew, Wilson Eshbach of Norfolk. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Margaret Eshbach, and a brother, William.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, 1621 Emancipation Hwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Internment of ashes will follow immediately at Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family is so very grateful for the outpouring of love and support that has been showered on us during our time of profound grief.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Thomas be honored as he lived, by giving to others through his two favorite charities: Lifepoint Church (Kingdom Builders offering), 1400 Central Park Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (website: https://lifepoint.org/); or the Stafford County SPCA, 140 Andrew Chapel Road, Stafford, VA 22554 (website: https://staffordspca.org/).