Mr. Joseph P. Esper

N. UTICA - Mr. Joseph P. Esper, age 69, unexpectedly departed this world and was embraced by the Lord as he passed on Thursday, June 4, 2020 with those he loved most in his heart. Born in Utica on January 28, 1951, Joseph was the son of the late Anthony P. and Natalie (Testa) Esper. He was raised and educated locally. On June 28, 1980 he married the former Anita Santoro with whom he shared 30 years blessed with great love, a happy household, and tender memories prior to her passing on December 21, 2010. His heart belonged to Anita. Joe was employed at Midstate Correctional Facility as a Vocational Instructor, and for numerous years he simultaneously worked as a Licensed Barber at the Center Barber Shop and currently at the Gentleman’s Corner Barbershop, both located in the New Hartford Shopping Center. A generous soul, Joe was blessed with a witty sense of humor and was never afraid to offer advice to friends and family, often restructuring their life to embrace a more optimistic, hopeful outlook. The Lord lived in Joe’s heart and mind, and as life unfolded he practiced his faith devoutly, attending daily Mass which grounded him and gave him grace. Recently, he was gifted his late cousin Jeff’s bible, for which he was so appreciative. His daughter was guided by his wisdom and his example, to be the best person she could be, a loving mother to her daughters, and a caring wife to her husband. Everyone knew Joe’s three favorite things --- classical guitars which he could play for hours at a time with a masterful, artistic style; dining out, preferably at Delmonico’s; and ice cream, especially hot fudge sundaes! He practiced his Catholic creed at Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s Church in New York Mills where he formed a faithful friendship with Fr. Art Krawczenko. In looking back at Joe’s humble life, we see a hardworking man who was grateful that God gave him the opportunity to guide and provide for his family. When he celebrated Christmas every year he would say to his loved ones, “If you don’t have family, what do you have?” Joe is survived by his cherished daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Matthew Pastor; his beloved grandchildren, Emily Grace, Adalina Rose, and the beloved memory of his granddaughter Marlana Natalie who passed away on October 17, 2007. He also leaves his brothers and sister-in-law, Carmen Esper, Tony and Joseanne Esper, and the memory of his eldest brother, David P. Esper Sr. who preceded him; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Patricia Esper, Annette Santoro and Mark Punzi, Debbie and Michael Kowalczyk, and Celeste and Bill Boris. He was blessed with “brothers” that he worked alongside at the Barber Shop and shared a great friendship and respect. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Thomas and Jeanette (Nogas) Santoro. The family extends special thanks to Joe’s son-in-law Matt for transporting Joe to the Emergency Department at the hospital and sharing those last moments with him. Due to current health concerns and in keeping with federal and state regulations, the family will honor Joseph’s life privately and funeral services will be held with immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org or by mail to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please take a moment to connect with Joe’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our community support.

Mr. Joseph P. Esper

January 28, 1951 - June 4, 2020