Name: Visitation for Frank Raymond Esser Jr.
Start: 2023-04-30T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-04-30T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Esser, Jr., Frank Raymond
NASSAU - Frank Raymond "Ray" Esser, Jr. passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family on April 25, 2023 at the age of 93.
Ray was the son of Grace and Frank R. Esser Sr. and he lived most of his life in Troy, NY. He graduated from Hudson Valley Technical College, now HVCC where he was a member of the first graduating class of that institution. He enjoyed a long career in Planning and Architecture, and Construction Management, and served on the Brunswick Planning Board. He was the founder and proprietor of the Silver Strawberry. A proud patriot, Ray served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged after six years of active military service.
Ray enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and poker nights, but his best days were shared with his family.
Ray was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Virginia (Pisarri) Esser. He was the father of Patricia Brett (Larry), Maribeth Fargnoli (John McAteer), Susan Lavine (Nino Nirchio) and Nancy Jo Phelan (Brian). He was predeceased by his son, Robert Esser (Carol Benoit). He was the proud Poppy of Abbey Ramsey, Jeff Esser, Sara Martin (Derrick), Alex Brett, Michael (Jacquelyn) and Andrew (Rebecca) Fargnoli, Lauren (Butch Herdegen), Stephanie and Jonathan (Brooke) Lavine, Bridget Ledbetter (Andrew), Matthew Phelan (Kristen); great-grandfather of eight, brother of the late Ethel Mann (James) and Ruth Grobe (Fred). Also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as his faithful canine companion Patches.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Randall Patterson on Monday, May 1st at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy, NY. Interment, with military honors, will follow at 12:30 pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery. Friends may also visit with the family on Sunday from 4 until 7 pm at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet, NY.
The family requests with gratitude that, in lieu of customary remembrances, donations be made in his memory to https://www.alz.org/vermont?form=alz_donate. Please visit Ray's online memorial tribute at www.parkerbrosmemorial.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Esser

9 Entries

Sue and Jim Donohue

May 7, 2023

To Frank's Children,
Your dad was the nicest guy. He was our project manager for the rehab of a building we had bought to establish a permanent home for our restaurant in downtown Albany. He was working for Gary Kearns at the time. We became fast friends and he did a wonderful job. Just before our retirement his friend Marty, a regular customer, brought him in for lunch so we could see each other. We shared a big hug and were so happy to see him so many years later. This world needs more people like your dad. So very sorry for your loss.

Jim "Jimmy" Mann

May 2, 2023

Dear Uncle Ray, A visit to You, Ginny, and the kids; my cousins, was always a hoot, Laughter, good food, jokes, doing something outside..... It was the best. Sooo much Love poured from your home. Such Joy.
My heart goes out to All the friend who will miss you. I'm sorry to have missed the Celebration, to have shared a cry and lifted a glass to Salute, An exceptional man, father, friend and Vet. RIP Ray.

Kathleen Gorman

April 29, 2023

Dear Nancy Jo,
I am so so sorry!
Kathy

Dana Coletti

April 28, 2023

Oh so sad to hear. I remember him from The Silver Strawberry. I ordered my wedding flowers from his store. He was lovely, so friendly. My husband played little league baseball with his son. Sending our condolences to his family.

Mike Crum

April 28, 2023

Ray became a wonderful funny guy I met while mowing his lawn. Loved our occasional lunches with stories. I´ll tip my glass to him every veterans day

Karen Gould Dressel

April 28, 2023

Mr. Esser lived with his family nextdoor to us for many years. He and my Dad always helped each other out when one or the other needed tools or just a helping hand. After my Dad passed away 37 years ago Mr Esser continued to make sure whenever my mom needed help with the house he was there to help. Knowing he and Ginny were there for her made it comforting to know she wasn´t alone. I remember his funny sense of humor. He used to tend to his garden and try to get us to eat worms! Said they were good for us! Every winter he would make a huge ice rink for us all to skate on. One day he made us a wooden box with a screen on it so when we caught the crayfish in the creek we could put them in it submerged in the water to keep them alive until we returned them to the creek so we could do it all over again the next day. He was always so kind to our family and he will be missed. Rest In Peace. My sincere condolences go out to the entire family!

Marcia Esser

April 28, 2023

My condolences to the family. I´m sure he has left a giant hole in your hearts. I have very fond memories of him. He was always so good to me.

Terry Scriven

April 27, 2023

Goodbye Old Friend , We Shared A Lot Of Laughs And Good Times , Plus A Thousand Card Games. Thanks For The Memories , Ray , R.I.P.

The Staff of Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home

April 28, 2023

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

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