Thomas David Esser, born on February 9, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio, passed into Eternal Glory on July 7, 2026, in Aurora, Ohio. He was 86 years old.

Thomas was a devoted husband and father who cherished his family. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served as a Toledo firefighter for several years. Tom was a Christian, a devout Cleveland Indians and Browns fan, loved fishing and playing cards. He was loved by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Katherine (née Heinl) Esser; his wife, Elizabeth (née Eich); his brothers, Richard and Robert; his sisters, Rosie, Eileen, and Ginny.

Thomas is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jean (née Kopnicky); his sons, Mark, Matt, Mike, and Marty; his daughter, Gretchen; his grandchildren, Rachel, Gabby, Jake, Jordan, Jamie, Catherine, Ava, Elle, and Erin; and great grandchildren Nataliya, Peyton, Sylvia, and Rowan.

The Celebration of Life memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 8592 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, OH 44087. PLEASE MEET AT THE CEMETERY for his inurnment on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at All Saints Cemetery, 480 West Highland Road in Northfield, Ohio 44067, where he will receive military honors from the United States Navy. Online condolences may be shared at crownhillfh.com