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Mark Esser Obituary
Mark was born on April 1, 1956, in Erie, PA. Son of the late Richard and Carolyn Esser. The family moved to Poughkeepsie, NY in 1965. Mark was a 1975 graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School, Wappingers Falls, NY. He was a basketball and baseball standout and excelled in both sports.
Mark was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1975, after an outstanding High School career. He opted to attend Miami-Dade North Junior College which had one of the best baseball programs in the nation. After several productive seasons at Miami-Dade, Mark was drafted and signed with the Chicago White Sox.
In 1978 during his second season in pro ball, Mark made the Mid-West All Star team and helped the Single-A Appleton Foxes win the championship that year. On April 22, 1979, Mark, a hard throwing lefty pitcher, made his Major League debut when he jogged in from the visitor's bullpen at Cleveland Stadium. This was the highlight of his professional baseball career. Mark accomplished what millions of kids dream of, playing in the Major Leagues. On November 12, 2023, Mark was inducted into the Duchess County Baseball Association Hall of Fame.
After baseball, he returned to Poughkeepsie where he lived, worked, and continued to pursue his passion for sports for several years. He later moved to Jupiter, FL to be close to his family. Mark was a kind and loving son, brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend to everyone he met.
He is survived by his siblings; Richard Esser (Ellen) of Fernandina Beach, FL, Joan Esser of Jupiter, FL, David Esser (Kathryn) of Monson, MA, Jeffrey Esser (Yvonne) of Jupiter, FL, Kathleen Perre of Jupiter, FL.
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews; Michael (Heather), Lindsey (Jay), Jeffrey (Sarah), Alicia, Carolyn (Kyle), Anthony and Taylor. A great-nephew; Aedyn and great-nieces; Avery and Amelia.
Mark was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Esser and brother-in-law, William Perre.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00am July 26th, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 204 US-1, Tequesta, FL 33469.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Michael Schneider
May 29, 2025
When I think of Mark, I remember all the time that we spent together at my mom and dad`s house on Driftwood Drive. I remember all the fun times that we had together with family and the meals and the sports that we played outside, fishing and just being together as a family. I truly enjoyed all the times that we spent together and could not forget his gigantic contagious smile and his laughter. He was one of those people that you could not help but be affected by his love of family and positive energy. The memories that were created from those days and the times that we spent together along with the Trumbull family in the summer, or some of the best memories of my childhood.
My condolences to the entire Esser family.
Rest in peace, Mark
I will never ever forget you
Love and peace to you all
Mike, and Rachael Schneider
Joey Schneider
May 21, 2025
Joey Schneider
May 21, 2025
Top Mark Esser memories: Rides around the block in Jupiter, BLT's on NFL Sundays, PGA Golf + snacks, fishing from the Juno Pier, sitting on the back deck watching a storm come off the ocean, fishing charter, Roger Dean stadium spring ball, grilling and swimming at Carlin Park. Miss and love you Big Cat - Cousin Joe.
Alison Trumbull Eckels
May 19, 2025
There are some people you never forget-
not just because of what they did...
but because of who they were.
My cousin, Mark, was one of those people.
He had this rare combination-
a natural, God-given talent and a spark that pulled people in.
With a blistering speedball, an athlete´s build, and a competitive fire, he had the makings of a long and exciting career and a presence that lit up every room - or ballpark - he stepped into.
When he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the late 1970s,
his father couldn´t contain his pride.
My Aunt Carolyn told my mom that the moment they heard the news,
Uncle Dick got in the car and drove around town,
just looking for someone-anyone-
to tell.
That´s how big it was.
That´s how proud he was of his son.
Mark was tall, strong, striking -
a real-life Adonis, with his wild curly blond hair,
a twinkle in his eye, and that slightly untamed edge that made him unforgettable.
He was always joyful.
Even-keeled.
He lived in the moment.
But life-
life had other plans.
A barroom brawl,
a shattered glass door,
and Mark´s pitching arm - his future -
gone in an instant.
But this is not the end of Mark´s story.
Mark goes before us,
along with his beloved sister Sue,
and my brother Tommy -
the first three of our generation
to die before their time.
It is a heartbreak we carry.
But it´s also a bond-
a sacred reminder
of how fragile and precious this life truly is.
To us - his family-Mark will always be running,
through the long grass that grew
around our grandparents´ home on Lake Erie.
The breeze from the lake hitting our faces,
as we ran wild and free.
In those moments,
we knew we were home.
In heaven-
surrounded by endless love and joy.
We love you, Mark.
You were a brilliant bright light -
One that shone for just a moment but left an eternal glow . . . imperfect,
unforgettable!
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Michael Kasmeyer
May 18, 2025
I graduated a year after Mark at Ketcham high school. I got to know Mark after HS from playing softball and working at IBM where we got to know each other better. We talked about old times playing softball friends we each knew and things going on at work. We never passed each other at work without stopping to chat. I would call out `Mark´ if I saw him first and he would shout out `Kaz´, if he saw me first!!!!
Mark ALWAYS had a smile and laughed when we told stories. I missed him when he moved to Florida but he mentioned how he missed and wanted to be closer to his Family. The way things are today it´s so important to have the great memories we had with our friends to bring back a smile and laughter to us.
I´ll miss Mark but again, I´ll have a lot of great memories of our many conversations and stories to fall back on.
My condolences to Marks´ family on this difficult time.
Woodford Mooers
May 17, 2025
I remember the good times on the baseball diamond great player, he will be missed.
Rest in Peace Mark.
Sincerely,
Woodford Mooers
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