David Essrow
October 19, 1935 – March 6, 2025
David Essrow of the Town of Tonawanda, passed away 3/6/2025 at the age of 89. A lifelong tinkerer and builder, he developed an early passion for working with his hands.
He met his wife, Roberta Rose at the Swing Inn in Crystal Beach in 1953. During 69 years of marriage they raised 2 children, Michael (Wende) Essrow and Karen Essrow, and was blessed with 3 grand-children, Andrea (Kyle) Shrauger, William (Shannon) Essrow and Daniel (Tess) Klingessrow and 8 great grandchildren.
After graduating from Bennett High School, he went on to build a career in the printing industry following his graduation from Rochester Institute of Technology. Initially working in his parent’s (Sue and George Essrow) business, Windsor Press. He later started a paper business with Sandy Beckman, forming Windsor Paper Products and then expanding into Buffalo Thermograph Service adding partner John Grandits.
He was deeply involved in his community, always dedicating his time and efforts to organizations that provided benefits to others. Not only did he volunteer his resources and his time, he rose to leadership roles in many of them. The highlights of the list include the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Pythias - Jonathan David Lodge, ARC (previously known as the Association for Retarded Citizens), The Power Squadron, The Maritime Center and The Forum Club. His involvement in these organizations were rooted in educating, managing as well as providing hands-on personal interactions with all those that benefited from the work of these group.
Beyond his professional and community contributions, he was an avid outdoorsman who turned his love of family camping into a greater passion for boating and fishing. He was either working on a boat at home, at the marina as captain of the SS Row, or out on the Niagara River with his fishing buddies. One of his favorite outdoor activities was his annual fishing trip to Northern Canada at Bad River Lodge. He would prepare for months doing the menu planning, shopping and coordinating for this trip.
He also was a skilled problem solver, he could take apart and reassemble anything from a can opener to a washing machine with ease. He loved to assist his friends with solving their problems and coming up with solutions to make lives easier. There was no problem that was too big or too small for him to troubleshoot and execute a resolution.
The over-riding number one characteristic of his personality was his love, care and concern for his family. A testament that this love was reciprocated, he was asked to officiate at all of his grandchildren’s weddings. From spending time with family and playing around with the kids and dogs, to taking the lead on a kid’sschool project, he was always there to help. He shared his joyful spirit and imparted strength and optimism to every family concern or drama.
From start to the finish, he was a ‘mensch’ that shared his smile and enthusiasm for life and all loved being in his presence.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A Funeral Service will be held Monday 11AM at MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., E. Amherst 14051. Shiva will be held Monday-Wednesday 6-8PM with minyan at 7PM each evening at Roberta’s residence: 277 Athens Blvd., Tonawanda 14223. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Maritime Center. Share condolences & view live stream at mesnekoff.com