Turgut Esen

With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Turgut Esen ”Esen” who passed away on November 15, 2025. Esen was born on July 7, 1955 in Adana, Turkey.

Esen was a dedicated and loyal Dining Room Manager at Hyde Park Golf and Country Club, where he was employed for 22 years. I remember the day I hired Esen in 2001 as a server/bartender. He left the club for a couple of years but returned. Esen always made sure the Members and Guests at the Club received excellent service. Oftentimes, Esen went over and above to meet Members' expectations. Esen said to managers on numerous occasions, “the Members are part of my family, as I don’t have anyone here in the States.” Very true, Esen only has one brother, Suleyman Truker Esen and a cousin, Eyup Haluk Candaner who live in Turkey.

Eighteen months ago, Esen found out he had stage three bladder cancer that was very aggressive. For months he received treatments at UC Hospital under the care of Dr. Bill Barrett and his team. Esen fought hard, didn’t give up and even went back to see his brother in Turkey this past July. When he returned back to Cincinnati, Esen found out the cancer was spreading. Junior, his long-time pet dog, stayed by his side day and night the last two months.

We would like to thank his caregivers Carrie Luster, Mauralana Cook, Danny Bowling, Les Hemingway, and Tempra Byrd for taking care of Esen. Also, a big thank to his neighbors, Debbie Tighe and Teresa Earhart and the Members of Hyde Park Golf and Country Club for their support. Esen is now in a far better place. He will be forever missed.

A Visitation will be held at Geo. H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home, 3183 Linwood Avenue, Mt. Lookout on Saturday, November 22 from 3-5 PM. Complimentary Valet parking available.