Elias Anthony Esposito

Elias Anthony Esposito, 92, passed away on Tuesday, April 12th, 2022 in his Reading residence. He married Dorothy M. (Juzwiski) on August 29, 1953, and they shared 69 years together. Elias was a lifelong educator. After earning masters’ degrees in chemistry and secondary education, he began teaching in the Schuylkill Valley School District, where he remained for his entire 30-year career. He taught chemistry and mathematics at Schuylkill Valley High School for 17 years. He also coached cross country and track and field, producing several state champions. Elias also served as assistant high school principal and high school principal. After his tenure at the high school, he helped to establish the Schuylkill Valley Middle School and served as its first principal. Under his leadership, the school focused on implementing innovative team-teaching methods and consistently produced strong scores on tests of student learning. He was a dynamic leader, known for his commitment to education and loyalty to his faculty. He was well respected in the school community for his dedication, integrity and savvy. His concern for students illuminated everything he did. Elias was a voracious reader, enjoyed golfing, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Carmen and Frances (Cirulli) Esposito. Elias earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education for chemistry and biology from Kutztown University, a master’s degree in chemistry teaching from Miami University of Ohio, a master’s degree in secondary education from Temple University, and a principal’s certificate from Villanova University. He served in the U.S. Army. In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Mr. Esposito is survived by his son, Anthony, and daughter-in-law Jean Henshaw, his daughter, Linda, and son-in-law Dr. Domenic Izzo. He is also survived by brothers David and Richard Esposito; sister Ruth Gehris; and four grandchildren: Michael, Daniel, and David Izzo and Svetlana Esposito. He was preceded by a brother, Stephen Esposito, and three sisters: Stella Gill, Theresa Unger and Jean Menditto. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church 2600 St. Albans Drive West Lawn, PA 19609. Entombment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be offered to your local library. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.