Owen T Essor

Obituary for Owen T Essor

Owen Theodore Essor-beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend-passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Though our hearts mourn his absence, we choose to celebrate a life that was full of purpose, passion, laughter, and love. Owen's presence was steady, his spirit was warm, and his legacy will live on through every life he touched.

Owen was born on December 28, 1934, in Blackness, Westmoreland, Jamaica, to Alfred Essor and Olive Williams. He was educated in Westmoreland and began his working life in Jamaica before making a bold, courageous move in 1955-traveling to Manchester, England, alongside three of his brothers in search of greater opportunities. After a brief return to Jamaica, Owen found his way back to England in 1960, settling in the West Midlands, where he continued building a life rooted in hard work, family, and determination.

In 1960, Owen met Dorothy Dixon, and in true Owen fashion, he didn't waste time when love was involved. After only a few months of dating, the two were married on March 11, 1961, beginning a partnership built on devotion and family. Their union was blessed with children Jacqueline Essor, Christopher Essor, and Ingrid Essor-Burton. Owen was also a father to Rose Beckford and Sandra Brown, cherishing each of his children deeply and proudly.

Owen dedicated more than 30 years of service to the West Midlands transit system in Birmingham, England, beginning his career as a bus conductor and later becoming a bus driver.

In 1978, Owen moved to Boston, Massachusetts, with his wife and children. He later gained employment at the Harvard Club of Boston, a job he truly loved, where he was affectionately known as "Tony." Owen became known not only for his strong work ethic, but also for his greatest passion-cooking. The head chef at the club recognized Owen's talent and love for the kitchen and mentored him, helping him sharpen his craft and learn new techniques, especially in Italian cuisine. Cooking wasn't just something Owen did-it was something he lived. It brought him joy, pride, and a way to care for others. Owen also committed his time as a union manager. He wasn't just committed to his work-he was committed to people. Deeply in which he was active. Owen served as a union manager, standing firm for fairness, respect, and the rights of others. He was the kind of man who believed in doing what was right, even when it wasn't easy.

Owen's heart always remained deeply connected to his Jamaican roots. He loved his family fiercely and had a gift for connection. He was known for his long, meaningful conversations, his laughter, and the storytelling that could fill a room and keep everyone listening. Owen especially cherished visits to Jamaica and the strong family bond he shared with his nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers, and sisters. He had a large extended family, and the love he gave was returned to him fully-he was truly adored.

One of nineteen siblings, Owen is survived by his beloved sisters, Valda from Brooklyn, New York and Avis, Syracuse, NY, who loved him dearly and will always miss him.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Essor and siblings: Winston, Curtilda (Ms. Brissett), Reynold, Frederick (Punny), Seymour (BaBa), Bertibell (DinDin), Rosie, Armin, Gladstone, Mag, Uncle Ricka, Donald, Dorie, and Carl.

Owen leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his children Jacqueline, Christopher, Ingrid, Rose, and Sandra, and his cherished grandchildren Ashley, Marissa, Aaron, Erica, Evan, Eddie, Christian, Janiese, Jackie Spencer, Joanne Kehler, Brandon, and Lincoln, along with 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild-a beautiful legacy of love that will continue for generations to come.

Owen Theodore Essor will be remembered as a man of strength and tenderness-devoted to family, proud of his heritage, passionate about cooking, committed to fairness, and full of life. His story will continue in the lives he shaped, the meals he shared, the laughter he sparked, and the love he poured into every moment.

Visiting hours will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE on Friday, January 23rd from 4-8PM. Funeral Service will be held Saturday at Gladtidings House of Prayer for All Nations, 573 Norfolk Street, Mattapan at 10AM. Interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Services

23 Jan

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
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24 Jan

Funeral Service

10:00 AM

Gladtidings House of Prayer for All Nations 573 Norfolk Street Mattapan, MA 02126 Get Directions »
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24 Jan

Burial

12:30 PM

Oak Lawn Cemetery 427 Cummins Highway Boston, MA 02131 Get Directions »
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by Obituary Assistant