John Joseph Esher

1945 - 2016

WILLIAMSBURG - John Joseph Esher, of Williamsburg, VA, passed into the arms of his Lord on May 17, 2016. Born in Darby, PA March 6, 1945 John was one of four children of Sam and Kathleen Esher who both preceded him in death as did his older brothers, Matthew and Michael. His sister, Maryellen Doyle lives in Folsom, PA. John was a star athlete at St. James Catholic High School in football, basketball and baseball. He had a full football scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As he finished his undergraduate degree (BA Education, '68) he met his future bride, Cynthia Strope and they married in 1969. John served in the Air Force including a tour in Saigon, Vietnam. He taught history at Chester High School in Pennsylvania and completed his MEd at Antioch University. The family moved to Vienna, VA where John owned a Baskin-Robbins Franchise for 13 years. He then worked for Crestar (now SunTrust) Bank rising from teller to Vice President and transferring to Williamsburg in 1997 where he managed the SunTrust Kingsmill branch until 2000. He returned to teaching at Woodside High School in Newport News until retirement in 2010. He was an avid golfer and spent many hours on the course of Two Rivers Country Club. He also was a passionate gardener. John is survived by his adoring wife of 47 years, Cynthia, his beautiful daughter Loren with her husband Tom Lane, and his four active grandchildren Caitlyn Anne, Megan Elizabeth, Shannon Terese and Thomas Esher. A celebration of Life will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg from 6-8 pm Sunday May 22 followed by a Funeral Mass at St Bede Catholic Church at 10:30 am Monday May 23. Following interment at the St Bede Columbarium there will be a reception at Two Rivers Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Williamsburg Relay For Life Team, "Governor's Land Rovers". 11835 Canon Boulevard, Suite A102, Newport News, VA 23606.