Herbert Esor Pessin, 92, formerly of Kennett Square, PA, passed away peacefully of old age on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Riddle Village in Media, PA. Born February 9, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the first-generation American son of the late Joseph and Mollie (Davis) Pessin. He was the beloved younger brother of both the late Arnold Pessin and Henrietta Pessin. He was raised in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong sense of community and service.
He was an active member of the Orthodox B’nai Abraham Synagogue on 6th Street and participated in the Boy Scouts, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Easton High School, where he formed lifelong friendships—including with Bob Potter, with whom he remained close throughout his life—and happily returned for every class reunion. After graduating in 1950, he enrolled at Lafayette College to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. It was also during this time that he met, fell in love with Jo-anne Neuman which led to their marriage in 1954. They were loving partners and best friends though all the ups and downs for the following 69 years until her death in 2023. Before completing his degree, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in France. Several months later, his new wife joined him there, and together they created some of their fondest memories. Upon returning to the United States, he resumed his education and earned his degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (formerly Newark College of Engineering) in 1968. He achieved this milestone through years of dedicated night study while working full-time to support his wife and their two children, Melissa and Joseph. His professional career encompassed a range of roles in engineering, marketing, and sales, taking the family from New Jersey to West Virginia and Massachusetts, and ultimately leading to a 20-year tenure with Lord Corporation in Erie, Pennsylvania.
He had a lifelong love of sports. As a youth, he dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. In adulthood, he remained active by enjoying bowling and tennis for many years, and he was a devoted basketball and football fan throughout his life. His days often revolved around the televised games of his favorite local professional teams. In his later years, he joined a men’s walking group at Longwood Gardens—a routine that gradually evolved into a regular social coffee gathering, which he appreciated and always looked forward to. He took great pleasure in working with his hands, whether through woodworking, gardening, or cooking. Over the years, he amassed an extensive collection of tools, which he used to build everything from coffee tables to a custom desk/bed/bureau combination, as well as miniature soapbox race cars for Cub Scouts. His garden was a source of pride, always featuring tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. A true food enthusiast, he loved both preparing and enjoying meals. Weekends often included grilling for the family or making favorites like chopped liver, waffles, and homemade ice cream. He also prepared latkes and brisket for many years for the Men’s Club annual latke party at Temple Anshe Hesed. Few things brought him more joy than a good meal—whether cooked at home or enjoyed at a favorite restaurant. Some of his favorite dishes included smoked fish (especially herring), calves’ liver with onions, Mushu pork, and whole grilled fish. But above all, he had a particular fondness for desserts—especially anything with chocolate.
Besides his children, he is survived by his grandchildren: Sara Minsley, Michael Pessin, Rebecca Minsley, Jacob Pessin, Diane Minsley, and David Pessin whom he was always very proud of, looking forward to hearing about all their life milestones.
A graveside service will be held at noon, Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Bnai Abraham Cemetery, 1851 Arndt Road, Forks Township. Arrangements are being handled by the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton. Memorial contributions may be made to Longwood Gardens https://longwoodgardens.org/support/give-today. Online condolences may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
