Raymond T. Esser
July 24, 1955 - July 4, 2018
Raymond T Esser, 62, of Cleveland, Ohio passed away suddenly Wednesday, July 4th, from complications of a hemorrhagic stroke. Ray's easy-going personality, love of laughter and positive attitude afforded him the opportunity to easily connect with people which led to many long-lasting friendships. As a boy, he was on the Junior Olympics team, loved to play baseball, swim, ice skate, water and downhill ski. As an adult, Ray picked up his Father's love of golf. He excelled at all of these. Ray married the love of his life, Debbra in 1979. They enjoyed travelling our country together. Initially by motorcycle, then car and plane or his BMW convertible he bought in honor of his Father's passing. Most people would say, "they did everything together".; "so in love"; "the perfect couple". Ray called it wedded bliss. He led a very healthy, active life and loved to read and listen to music to relax.His inclination for mechanics and his logical, pragmatic mind made him a "go to" for family and friends to get ideas, quick project sketches, and reassurances for their own projects. Ray liked to research any topic and was so very patient to find the answers and information for family and friends. Ray was always in the middle of a project to enhance his lovely home. To name a few, he designed and built the deck, all new kitchen, bathrooms, and a lovely outdoor space full of flowers that he enjoyed gardening. Best of friends know he was an avid “Pyro” and made the best wood fires to sit around with Deb and friends most summer evenings.
Proud and Loving Father to Gregory who Ray always said was, "the best thing that ever happened to "us"". He taught Greg by example which provided with life-long tools to become the responsible, loving man he is today. In 2013, Greg married the love of his life, Ashley, who gave Ray incredible grandsons, Ethan (4) and Jaxson (1). Ray was still evolving into his new role as Grandpa and it was really exciting to him. His Brother, Randy and sister-in-law, Susan were very special to Ray along with their children Benjamin and Carrie. He loved continuing family traditions with Randy and discussing sports they played together and watched as brothers (1 year and 1 day apart). His deceased brother, Rich, gave him a niece, Kristin Becker (Neal) and made him a Great Uncle to Landon and Zoe. Through marriage Ray enjoyed his wife's loving family: Brother-in-law, Wes (Tonja) and his first niece, Heather (Dave) and great uncle to Adam and Alexis; Sister-in-law, Terry Ellis, Niece, Kristin (Neal), Great Uncle to Landon and Zoe; Sister-in-law, Mary (Ken); Niece Laura (Joe), great nephew, Evan; Nephew Timothy; Nephew Matthew (Ashley) great nieces Sophia and Everly. Proceeded in death by Terence (Father) and Florence (Mother) and Richard (brother) and Everett (great nephew) and most recently his sister-in-law, Ruth.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 15th. Open house from 2:00 to 5:00 at The Emerald Necklace Marina, 1500 Cleveland Metro Park Drive, Lakewood, Ohio 44107.