Richard G. Esslinger

We mourn the life of Richard Esslinger, who died of the many complications of the World Trade Center cancers and the collateral damage associated with the toxic recovery over the years. A fighter until the end, Richard passed away peacefully at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Richard was a proud Texan. He was as comfortable running cattle on his family's ranch as he was talking politics over a lavish meal.
As an adolescent, Richard was interested in history and his ancestors, some of whom helped settle Texas while others settled in the Philadelphia area and manufactured Esslinger Beer, one of the premiere lager brews of the late 19th century through the mid 1960s. After graduating from the University of Texas, Richard enjoyed the life of a young man wildcatting on the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Later, Richard found his place among the brokers of the New York Mercantile Exchange trading oil and natural gas commodities.
Richard Esslinger lived the life of a character in a novel. He was unique. Bigger than life. Open to new adventures, honest and forthright with people. His laugh was infectious. A kind man at his core. He was a learner, a seeker, a raconteur par excellence, a beautiful soul and could talk on any subject for any length of time, sometimes to the chagrin of his family.
Richard loved watching sports and quiz shows. On a nice day, you would find him tending to his garden. Richard looked forward to trips to Atlantic City, working Sudoku puzzles, and was a fierce Bridge opponent.
On one adventure in Europe, he met his future wife, Margo Kamin, who, sadly, predeceased him in 2007. Their marriage brought them one daughter, Allison, whom they both adored. Richard is survived by Allison Esslinger Ross, along with her husband, Adam Ross, and their two boys, Benny and Ari.
Other close friends were like family and helped love and care for Richard through his years of surgeries and illness. We thank Tim and Arlene Kurz and many of the neighbors of the cul de sac in Yardley, PA for their amazing friendships.
It's hard to say goodbye to this good man, except to say he's at peace and without pain now. And he's back with Margo, where he's wanted to be for so long.
The funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 3:00pm at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately for the family.