George M. Esparza, 68, of Phillipsburg, NJ, died Wednesday, January 22, 2025 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Warren Campus. Born December 21, 1956 in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late John and Rebecca (Perez) Esparza. His wife, Rona (Panchuck) Esparza died last year. George owned, operated, and performed with Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus and Wahoo Medicine Show, Phillipsburg. He also was the co-owner and manager of Omni Maintenance, Linden, NJ. George attended Tulane University and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with master’s degrees in business and music. He attended The Juilliard School, New York City and trained under Robert Shaw at the Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ. George’s life was a ministry of music. He was the manager of both the Midland Texas Symphony Orchestra and the Savannah Georgia Symphony Orchestra. He sang in the choir of College Hill Presbyterian Church, Easton, and was a well known vocalist in the Lehigh Valley where he often performed at nursing homes and care facilities. He was also a member of the Heritage Guild, Easton.
Surviving are his son, Joshua Esparza and his sister, Eunice Aldrich.
A memorial service will held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 22, 2025 in College Hill Presbyterian Church, 501 Brodhead St., Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Kim Steckley Fordham
February 10, 2025 at 7:32 pm
To Josh, family and friends,
We are so very sorry to have lost a wonderfully talented and very vibrant spirit. He will always remain in our hearts. George will be greatly missed.
With love from Kim and Mark Fordham
Daniel De Kok
February 19, 2025 at 5:12 pm
I am absolutely devastated. I sang with George in College Hill Presbyterian’s choir and in a small group called Rarified Air in the 1990’s. He was such a fine musician and a wonderful, warm human being. God be with you all.
Ralph Schatzki
February 19, 2025 at 6:58 pm
To Josh and all of George’s family and friends: I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. I had not spoken with him since I left Easton, but I considered him a very good friend and colleague. We always had very good conversations, and I enjoyed singing with him, as I believe he did with me . The world is a little bit darker, now.
Mathew Zimnoch
February 22, 2025 at 10:44 am
George was a wonderful man. I only knew him during a brief few years when he traveled to Philadelphia to sing with Vox Amadeus ensembles. H added a presence which was a distinctive positive force both vocally and personally. I enjoyed many conversations and interactions during that time and will always remember him as a warm and empathetic friend who was always supportive of those around him. My deepest condolences to you Josh and your whole extended family.