ESSER, Fred

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, July 12, 2011 Fred Esser was a wonderful, gentle, generous man whose contagious smile warmed hearts. On Friday, July 8, 2011, at the age of 80, he died peacefully at home with loving family in attendance. Born in Paterson, N.J., he was preceded in death by his daughter Janie Esser of Santa Rosa, Calif., and is survived by his devoted wife, Cathy (Dittrich), his sister, Martha Greyshock of Wayne, N.J., and his large and adoring family of seven children who thought the sun rose and set with him: Carol Cecchini and Lois Carlin of San Rafael, Calif., Fred Esser Jr. (Wendy) of Stockholm, N.J., Kimberley Sheldon (Jim) and Adam Esser (Gina) of Jacksonville, Fla., Megan Yakovich (Aaron) of Chino Valley, Ariz., and Michael Esser (Laura) of Nashville, Tenn. He had 10 grandchildren: Tara, Brianna, Melissa, Jacob, Jenna, Emma, Isabella, Lainey, Giancarlo and Saige, and his great-grandchildren, Peyton, James and Quinn. He will also be missed by his beloved dogs Smokey and Molly. He had many passions, including his love of music (especially Ellington and Celtic Woman), the Brooklyn Dodgers, and wild horse preservation; he was a strong and vocal advocate for the protection of children and animals; and he loved this country. Undoubtedly, his love for his family was immeasurable. His life accomplishments were many. An exceptional athlete, he excelled at football and speed-skating, qualifying for the 1948 Winter Olympics, but instead chose a scholarship to college at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. He loved golfing with "the boys" and having a "see through" with good company, conversation, and a joke or two. He bred and raised horses in upstate New York, and was a successful businessman and a chemist in New Jersey. In 1994, he moved to Phoenix with Cathy, and in 2004, they settled in Chino Valley. His magnetic loving spirit, kindness, "strong like bull!" strength and good humor touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a true gentleman. He leaves behind countless family and friends who will miss him every day of their lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made In Memory Of Fred Esser, to Equine Voices Rescue and Sanctuary: PO Box 1685 Green Valley, AZ 85622, www.equinevoices.org. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at his home in Chino Valley on Saturday, July 16, at 1 p.m. Information provided by Sunrise Funeral Home.