Obituary
Joseph (Joe) Peter Essex (61), of Port Orange, Florida, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 1, 2020. Joe was born in on December 8, 1958 in Bennington, VT to John J. and Barbara A. Essex.
Joe grew up in South Stafford, VT, and graduated from Hanover High School in 1976. He was a lifelong entrepreneur with a strong work ethic. His working career began early in auto mechanics. After marrying his high school sweetheart Patricia (Patty Lancaster), they started Eswas Sandwiches & Catering and Hanover Towing, in the late 80’s while they resided in Wilder, VT. Together, he and Patty raised two daughters, Michelle and Elizabeth. He loved spending time with his family and took much pride in providing the best life he could for them. For the past 15 years he and Patty had been residing in Port Orange, Florida. He was working as a Route Sales Representative for Frito-Lay/PepsiCo over the last 5+ years, where many of his coworkers agree he had a shining smile and infectious go getter attitude.
Joe had many passions in life, from skiing in his earlier years to going to the beach, and anything with his family. He was a diehard Tampa Bay Bucs fan, and an avid follower of Nascar. Some of his most personal passions included muscle cars, Harley Davidsons motorcycles and rock & roll music. He instilled many of these passions in his daughters. He taught them basic auto mechanics, and although as adults they were 1200 miles away (Michelle in NH and Elizabeth in VT) he was always available for the “how to” questions by phone and would NEVER miss a call. For Joe, his wife, girls and grandchildren always came first. He was always the happiest when they were all together.
Joe was predeceased by his mother, Barbara A Essex (Brinkman) and his father, John J Essex.
Joe was survived by his wife Patricia A. Essex and two daughters: Michelle L. Murray (husband Shawn Murray & daughter Nitara) of Enfield, NH, Elizabeth E. Essex (fiancé Dane Stillson and sons Sheldon and Maddox) of WRJ, VT, his stepmother Marianna T. Essex of Hereford, AZ. Seven siblings: John Essex of Chattanooga, TN, Thomas Essex (wife Suzanna Liepmann) of Strafford, VT, Robert Essex (wife Cathy Essex-DeCosta) of St. Augustine, FL, Mary Essex of Norwich, VT, Jean Essex (husband Michael Linehan) of Norwich, VT, Susan Essex (husband John Luce) of Burlington and Norwich, VT, and Anthony Essex (wife Laura Nicholson) of San Diego, CA. He was also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless amounts of friends throughout the world. His memory will forever be in our hearts.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date for family and close friends.
