1 Photo
Albert J. Essay Jr.
Albert J. Essay Jr. of Southampton and Jupiter, Florida, died on May 5. He was 81.
Mr. Essay was assistant chief of the Southampton Fire Department from 1977 to 1980 and a founding member of the Fire Rescue Squad in 1975. During fire department rescues, bomb scares and emergency situations, he would be the first to volunteer, without regard for his own personal safety, his loved ones said. Throughout it all, he was brave and always came out smiling and encouraging his fellow comrades.
Born on September 25, 1929, he was one of three sons born to three sisters, each child born one day apart, attracting the attention of the Daily News at that time. The trio of cousins grew up very close to one another.
He graduated from Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary School and Southampton High School, and then attended Pace College and the State University of New York at Farmingdale, where he received a football scholarship. As a strong athlete, he also received a wrestling scholarship to Lehigh University. He went on to play semi-professional football for the Southampton Lions from 1949 to 1952.
Mr. Essay was instrumental in creating the Southampton Beach Buggy laws as a founding member of the Southampton Beach Buggy Association, now LIBBA. At age 19, he became the financial secretary of the Southampton Knights of Columbus Council, a position he held for 30 years until becoming Grand Knight and president of the Columbus Club. He served on the Church Council at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church and was instrumental in converting the convent into a rectory. He served on the Suffolk County Arson Task Force and the Suffolk County Highway Safety Board, and was a founding member of the Palm Beach Gardens Florida Retired Exempt Smoke Eaters (FIRES).
He fell in love and married Virginia Mojeski at a young age, and they had five children. They were married for 60 years and he was deeply devoted to her until his last days. He worked at Essay Energy Systems and the Essay Ice Cream Company in order to give his children what they needed. He was proud of his titles as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and acted in whatever capacity he could to give the best love and support.
Mr. Essay was very active in his community. He was involved in various business fraternities and clubs, including the Elks Club and the Moose Lodge.
Whatever he lacked in charisma, Mr. Essay had in courage, character and devotion. He was one-of-a-kind, a man who cannot be replaced, and who will be remembered and sorely missed by his family, friends and community, survivors said.
Mr. Essay is survived by his wife Virginia; children, Richard Essay and his wife Connie of Southampton, Dennis Essay and his wife Patricia of Virginia, Michelle Phillips, Melissa Aery and her husband James of Southampton, Nanette Essay of Southampton; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 10 and 11, at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. A Southampton Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks service and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus service was held on Tuesday evening. A Southampton Fire Department firematic service was held on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. A funeral Mass took pace on Thursday, May 12, at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church in Southampton. Interment followed at Sacred Hearts Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
on May 16, 2011