John Michael Esposito

John Michael Esposito passed away peacefully at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, Massachusetts at the age of 92. John was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on August 3, 1933 to John and Marion Esposito. He attended Lehigh University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While working in Buffalo, NY, he met the love of his life, Carol, on a blind date. They were married in 1960, settled in Hamburg NY, and later moved to Randolph New Jersey where they raised their four children.

John worked for Allied Chemical for 27 years as a Project Manager and later took a position with Airco Industrial Gases. As a teenager, he worked at a neighborhood Italian grocery store, which allowed him to help his parents with household expenses and enjoy weekend trips to the movies. He had a lifelong love of film, theater, and music—especially jazz and classical. He played the saxophone, enjoyed hiking and skiing, and later took up horseback riding. John also loved the outdoors and shared that passion with his family, enjoying many camping trips throughout New England.

John was a longtime member of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. He was drawn to Buddhist philosophy, and became deeply involved in the Integral Yoga Institute. His practice of meditation and yoga led him to many retreats, and in retirement he became a yoga instructor. Through his work at Airco, John had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia. Carol often joined him during her summer breaks from teaching. After Carol passed suddenly in 2001, John met his dear friend Zella at the Fellowship, and later his partner Deirdre at a yoga retreat in Canada. He and Zella formed a close friendship and volunteered together for the residency program at NYU as patient actors.

In the years that followed, John often drove from New Jersey to Canada to visit Deirdre and her extended family, who welcomed him warmly. John continued to lead an active lifestyle and enjoyed many travels with Deirdre, visiting Ireland, Taiwan and a Buddhist temple in Thailand. While in New Jersey, John cherished his involvement at the Fellowship. He formed close friendships through the Gathering of Men group and other spiritual and social activities.

Family events and traditions were an important part of John's life. He loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with his children and grandchildren in New Jersey and Massachusetts. He hosted many gatherings at favorite restaurants, enjoyed home-cooked meals, and never turned down a card game of 'Oh Hell'. John lived a full life, grounded in curiosity, connection, and care for those around him. He will be deeply missed.

John was predeceased by his wife, Carol Esposito, and youngest daughter, Janet Byrne. He is survived by his children Mark Esposito, Susan Corcoran, and Peg Cowe; his sons-in-law Andrew Cowe and John Byrne; and his eight grandchildren—Natalie, Lindsay, Max, Aiden, Lauren, Gillian, Kristin, and Jessica. He is also remembered by his brother Michael and wife Barbara, sister Marion, sister-in-law Margaret, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960.

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