Richard J. Esposito, 77, of Stockton, New Jersey, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lambertville, Dick was a lifelong area resident. He retired from Jersey Central Power and Light 20 years ago, after 31 years of service. At the time of his retirement Dick held the position of foreman at the JCP & L Gilbert generating plant in Milford. He was a peacetime veteran of the US Air Force serving in the US and Japan. Richard was a history buff with special interests in the Revolutionary War and the local events such as the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. He was a skilled woodworker. He had an interest in transportation and collected miniature trains and planes and was a regular at air shows. A past member of the Stockton Rod and Gun Club, Dick hunted pheasant and rabbit which was more about walking in the woods than actually hunting because he rarely came home with game.

Dick had a quick wit and ready humor. He loved nature and enjoyed long walks along the canal. For Dick there was no better place to be. He was walking the towpath last week when he became ill. For many years Dick resisted the idea of a much need hearing aide. His first appointment with the audiologist was scheduled for next week. The timing of his passing hints suspiciously at the lengths he would go to to avoid hearing aids. Dick Esposito treasured his family and taught them that love, support and humor were the keys to happiness and success.

He was the son of the late Joseph and Florence Jones Esposito. He is survived by his loving wife Charlotte A. Tritt Esposito; his devoted children and their spouses Valerie and Joseph Jacoski of Sayre, PA and Scott R. and Kirsten Esposito of Bangor, PA; his beloved grandchildren Douglas (wife Chelsi) Jacoski of Waverly, NY, Christina (fiancé Kai) of Stuttgart, Germany, Joelle Jacoski and Erin Jacoski, both of Sayre, McKenna Esposito of Green Lane, PA, Logan Esposito and William Esposito, both of Bangor. Dick recently welcomed his first great-grandchild Spencer Edward Jacoski. He is also survived by several close cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Dick’s life at starting at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon, October 22, at the Lambertville-New Hope rescue Squad, 70 Alexander Avenue, Lambertville, NJ 08530.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (vva.org).

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