Anthony "Tony" C. Esposito

Anthony C. “Tony” Esposito, age 87 passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020. He was born April 9, 1933, at home in New Milford, Ohio, to his late parents Alfonso “Mike” Esposito from Campora, Campania, Italy and Josephine Chargo from Masontown, Pennsylvania.

Tony graduated in 1951 from Rootstown High School and began working with his father on the railroad before deciding to join the military. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the US Air Force during the Korean War, training pilots on the flight simulator.

In 1960, Tony needed to get his car washed. Luckily, he chose the right place, because low and behold, he met the love of his life, Janet E. Thompson. They were married September 2, 1961, and would have celebrated 59 years this year.

His education at Boheckers Business College jump started his career in management. His career spanned many decades and locations, including Alsco, Manners Big Boy, and many years at Samuel Moore until Eaton Corporation purchased the company. All administration personnel were replaced, causing Tony to transition his career to Parker-Hannifin until his retirement.

Tony was a lifelong resident of Portage County and an active member of the community, belonging to the Farm Bureau, and Portage County Agriculture. He also served as a director on the Portage County Fair Board, and ardently supported Janet in her political endeavors and community service career.

Together Tony and Janet enjoyed many adventures in life with their good friends, Glenda Enders, Dr. Roger and Linda Marcial, traveling to casinos in Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Mississippi, Nevada, and many other places. They also went on two Alaskan cruises, and traveled many times to eastern and western Caribbean Islands. They also enjoyed traveling the USA from Maine to California, and in between, including Vermont, Arizona, Florida, plus many others.

Tony will be greatly missed not only by his wife Janet, but by his two daughters and their husbands: Conni (Rob) Taft and Laura (Eric L.) Shafer, his granddaughters and their husbands: Emily (Joel) Emery, Jessica (Brad) Witham, his grandson Eric C. Shafer, as well as his two great-grandsons: Rorey Emery and Orson Witham.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Teresa Zirkle, Mary Jordan, Betty Dillon, and John Esposito, his niece Josephine Horne and her twin brother, his nephew John Esposito.

Tony’s wishes for cremation are being honored. Private burial will take place at Drakesburg Cemetery in Freedom Township. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Tony’s name to the Portage APL or the Center of Hope.