Eugene V. “Gene” Esterkin, age 97 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.
Born in Cincinnati, OH, February 13, 1922, son of the late Meyer and Jennie Rabinowitz Esterkin, Gene was raised in New York City and New Jersey. He spent the majority of his life in Warren, NJ, moving to Raritan Township in 2009.
For many years he was the owner and proprietor of Stuyvesant Shell, located on the corner of Stuyvesant Avenue and Stanley Terrace in Union, NJ. He was well regarded by the entire community as a man of fairness and also humor whenever they stopped in for service or to ask a question. After selling the garage, he would become a traveling salesman for a company he had worked with at the garage, Buy Wise Auto Parts based out of Maplewood, NJ. Again, he made many friends and was always known to be dedicated and hard working.
He was a proud United States Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, faithfully serving from 1943-1946 and being honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal.
When reflecting on Gene’s life, anyone who knew him would surely smile and first remember his cherished wife, Iris Anita Gura Esterkin, who died in 2010. The two, who were married on April 24, 1949, enjoyed a wonderful marriage that was based on friendship and love. To the outside world, Gene waited on Iris hand over foot; there was simply nothing he would not do for his other half, and they set an example of a loving marriage for all to follow.
Always happy, Gene will also be well remembered for his never ending smile and always optimistic personality. Loving to laugh, he was the person who would be there for family, friends, and even strangers in every way possible. His empathy knew no bounds.
Very altruistic, he was giving back to the community right up until his health necessitated him to slow down—Thursday’s were volunteering at the Flemington Food Pantry, Friday’s were reading books to the children at the Flemington Jewish Community Center Nursery School, and so on. His love of children allowed Gene to keep a sense of childlike innocence that surely helped him navigate the world and teach his own children how to do the same.
His open heart and open mind are a wonderful reminder that in order to live happily in this world, one needs simply to be kind to others. To honor Gene and be a living tribute to his legacy, all reading this are asked to simply, be kind.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alexandra Esterkin and a daughter-in-law, Joani Esterkin.
Surviving are a son, Neil Mitchell Esterkin; a son and daughter-in-law, Seth and Ellen Esterkin; his adored brother, Leonard Stern; his grandchildren, Noah Esterkin, Paige and her husband, Jonathan Bronitsky, and Sean Esterkin; several extended family; and many dear friends he made wherever he traveled.
Funeral services officiated by Rabbi Eric Cohen will take place on Friday, December 13, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at the Flemington Jewish Community Center, 5 Sergeantsville Road, Flemington, NJ, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is kindly asked to arrive at the synagogue beginning at 8:45 a.m.
Burial next to his beloved wife will follow at Washington Cemetery, 104 Deans Rhode Hall Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08902.
Following the burial, all are kindly requested to join the family for the meal of consolation at the Flemington Jewish Community Center Social Hall, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Please visit Gene’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.
Per Jewish tradition, no flowers please. If you would like to further honor the memory of Gene, please feel free to make a contribution to the charity of your choice. Gene was always giving of his time and talents and would be so pleased if those reading this would do that same for a cause that touches their own hearts. The family greatly appreciates your kindness.
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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”
