Richard N. Esber, Jr.

Richard Nicholas Esber Jr. (Richie) was born on August 15, 1962 in Canton, Ohio to Richard and Julia (Shaheen) Esber. He was a graduate of Timken High School and The University of Akron. He was a lifelong resident of Canton and the proud and successful owner of Rich Esber Allstate. He was a loving, present, and involved father and grandfather who took much pride in his children and grandchildren. He was a long-time member of Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team, and a lifelong member of the Hall of Fame Fitness Center, where he enjoyed racquetball. Rich loved participating in local races and enjoyed running on Tuesday nights with his Jackson running group. He also had a passion for riding his bike with Kirsten and youngest daughter, Bella. He was a man of habit and routine who knew what he liked and did those things well. He enjoyed vacationing in Hilton Head and going on cruises with his family. Rich loved working on cars and never found a problem he couldn't fix. He enjoyed reading (speed reading!) and had a passion for learning. He was sure to know someone anywhere he went, especially in Canton, and enjoyed making people laugh with his sly sense of humor. He displayed the love of Christ daily through his kind and gentle spirit and was always generous with his time and resources, blessing many. Rich was a friend to everyone. Rich entered the Lord's presence unexpectedly doing what he loved, barefoot water skiing, on August 13, 2022. He will be missed tremendously and is leaving a significant hole in his family and community. Rich was preceded in death by his mother Julia Shaheen Esber, father Richard Nicholas Esber Sr., grandparents Naseeb and Jenna Shaheen, and George and Rose (Bus) Esber. He is survived by his fiancée, Kirsten Casper; his children, Kaleb (Jordan) Esber, Julia (Aaron) Port, Isabella Esber, & Abby Casper; his brother, Stephen (Celia) Esber and their children Andrew & Genevieve; his grandchildren, Silas & Willow Port, & Jovi Esber; the mother of Kaleb and Julia (Shannon) and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Most importantly, those who loved Rich will find comfort and peace knowing he trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He believed the promises of the Bible–that only in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ are forgiveness and eternal life to be found. That is his legacy. Family and friends will be received on Thursday, August 18th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Lamiell Funeral Home, 1353 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton. A Trisagion Service will be Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Service will be Friday, August 19th at 10 AM at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1118 Cherry Ave NE, Canton with Very Rev. Fr. Michael Corbin officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Rich's name to Lake Center Christian School (Hartville, OH) or Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team c/o Daniel Gaudet 767 Harrison Ave Akron, OH 44314, made out to Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team.