Shrewsbury – Thomas B. Esip, 78, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 in UMass Memorial Medical Center.
Tom was born Aug. 21, 1938 in Worcester to the late Thomas and Helen (Morello) Esip. He grew up on Grafton Hill in Worcester and graduated from St. Stephen’s High School. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and was a member of the Presidential Honor Guard for President Eisenhower. He lived in Worcester for many years before moving to Shrewsbury 46 years ago.
He was employed as a repairman at Verizon before retiring in 1988.
Tom was a passionate sportsman who enjoyed ski vacations in Colorado, British Columbia, and resorts throughout Europe, as well as hunting and fishing in game reserves around the world. He was especially proud to be a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Mass. He was an active member of the 200 Sportsmen Club and Shrewsbury Sportsmen Club, and also a member of the Grafton Hill Neighborhood Association
He is survived by his devoted wife of 19 years, Judy (Graham) Esip, and his two sisters, Maureen Flaherty and her husband Richard of Charlemont and Susan Kalinowski and her husband Paul of Boylston, in addition to many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, James Esip, who died in 1986.
Tom will be missed for his fun-loving ways and for his kindness and generosity to his many friends and extended family members.
The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the entire staff in the Intensive Care Unit 6 of UMass hospital for their kindness and devotion to his care.
His funeral was celebrated Nov.14 in St. Stephen’s Church of Worcester. Burial will be held privately.
Those who wish to remember Tom by way of a memorial tribute are kindly asked to consider Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts – Denholm Building, 484 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608 or to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.
To share your thoughts and memories of Tom, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
