George Esakov

George (Jarko) Esakov, age 97, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and lifelong Northeast Ohio resident, passed away peacefully on Friday December 26, 2025.

George was born to parents who immigrated to the United States from Serbia as teenagers, settling in Akron within a close-knit Serbian community. He grew up above his family’s grocery store on Inman Street, one of eight children. The family later sold the grocery store and purchased The Brooklands Café in Goodyear Heights. The family successfully ran the café for more than 30 years.

George attended South High School, where he was an Honor Student, a member of the senior choir, and President of the Student Council. He later went on to graduate from Kent State University.

After college, George was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the medical division in San Antonio, Texas. Upon returning home, he met Betty Weekly. They married after six months and began their life together in Chicago. Professionally, George enjoyed a long and successful career, including roles with B.F. Goodrich, Ashland Chemical, Paine Webber, Graphic Arts Rubber, and Burton Rubber Processing. Even after retiring, George continued working simply because he enjoyed staying busy and connected, later serving as a parts driver for Clarke Ford.

George and Betty raised their family in Portage Lakes and later Wyoga Lake Estates, where they lived for 30 years. He was a proud and supportive father who enjoyed watching his children grow into adulthood. He especially cherished time with his grandson, Gavin, whom he loved watching grow into a fine young man.

George found joy in life’s simple pleasures: golfing, bowling, playing cards, and watching sports-especially cheering on his beloved Cleveland teams. Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends especially during the time they lived in Wyoga Lake.

George was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers and sisters; his beloved wife, Betty Esakov; and his son, John Esakov.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet Esakov (Katie Campbell) and Joan Boltz (Eric Boltz); his grandson, Gavin Boltz; brother Charlie (Pat) Esakov; and his special friends, Aggie Denning and Beth Buzzi.

George will be remembered for his kindness, connection with family and friends, and great sense of humor.

Visitation will be January 10th, Saturday from 1PM- 3 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

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