Richard Esposito

RICHARD MICHAEL ESPOSITO BYRON - Richard Michael Esposito of Byron, IL and Mesa, AZ, passed away Friday, December, 19, 2014, from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident in Mesa, AZ. Richard was born January 13, 1948, in Pontiac, IL to Dr. Neil and Regina Esposito who preceded him in death. On February 17, 1968, he married Nancy Fetzer Esposito in St. Patrick's Church, Minonk, IL, she survives. Richard graduated from Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School in 1965. After graduation he attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA from 1965-1967. He served in the US Air Force from June 1967 to January 1971. After the service, he attended Illinois State University in Normal, IL, graduating with a Bachelors degree in 1974. While living in Minonk after college, Richard was an active community leader serving on the Minonk City Council, and was instrumental in obtaining a grant for the Minonk Ambulance Service. Richard's career with Country Financial took him to Byron, IL in 1980. While in Byron, he continued his community service work by serving on the Byron Park District Board from 1988 to 1995. He retired as a Commercial Field Underwriter with Country Financial in September, 2010, after 36 years of service. After retirement, Richard and Nancy spent their winter months in Mesa, AZ where he was presently serving on the Sun Valley Casitas Condo Board. He absolutely loved his Arizona morning bike rides and exploring the Arizona country on his Harley Davidson. Richard was a wonderful husband, father and a special "Papa" to his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. They adored him and he will always have a special place in their hearts. Richard will be dearly missed by his wife, Nancy; his children, Caryn (Kraig) Hoover, Byron, IL, Bryan (Mandie) Esposito, Bloomington, IL and Janelle (Tim) Smith, Byron, IL. Richard's grandchildren, Alyssa and Andra Hoover, Lauren and Davis Esposito, Sydney, Ryan and Gracyn Smith. Also, brother, Russell Esposito, Flanagan, IL, sister, Bernadette (Gerry) Green, brothers, Robert (Zora) Esposito and Raymond (Diane) Esposito, all of Bloomington, IL. Richard's brother-in-law, Ron (Terrie) Fetzer, Johnson Creek, WI, and many very special nieces and nephews. His special uncle, Roland (Fran) Van Guilder, Plymouth, MN, aunts, Louise Esposito of NY and Sonia Esposito of VA, and Richard's family in NY and VT, as well as many special friends he has met along the way. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 2nd, at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Byron, IL. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 3rd, at St. Patrick's Church, Minonk, IL. Family will be present in Minonk at 10 a.m. for a visitation in the church preceding the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, IL. Memorials can also be made directly to the family and will be used for various charities which provide bicycles and helmets to children and those in need. www.farrellhollandgale.com