Edwin Esbrandt Obituary

Edwin (Ed) Esbrandt passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a prolonged illness, throughout which he remained anchored in faith. He was born on March 28, 1946, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Philip and Sophia (Kozimor) Esbrandt. Ed had a joyful childhood with his older brother, Philip. Summers were often spent working on his Uncle Jack's farm in Western New Jersey, making cherished memories with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ed graduated from Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, New Jersey, where he lettered in football and basketball. There, he had many close friends, some of whom he remained connected with until his passing. A gifted trumpet player, Ed was an accomplished musician and became an all-state performer at a young age. He attended Wagner College for two years before answering a call to serve in the U.S. Air Force. He trained as a linguist and served both in Germany and at the National Security Agency upon returning stateside. After his honorable discharge, Ed moved to Philadelphia with his brother Phil and completed his degree at Temple University in 1972. While attending Temple, Ed met his wife Kerry in Maryland. They were married on August 12, 1972, and shared more than 50 years of love, faith, and unwavering commitment, laying a firm foundation for their family. In the ensuing years, Ed and Kerry welcomed their son Steven and daughter Sarah into their lives. Ed often said he had five careers, but only one truly mattered: teaching. After running a successful appraisal business, Ed found his professional home in the classroom. He taught at Patuxent Valley Middle School, where both students and colleagues deeply respected his extraordinary ability to teach history and critical thinking. Known for his intellect, compassion, and wit, Ed was beloved not only for his skill as an educator but for the care he extended to everyone around him. In 2008, he earned a Master's degree in Social Science from Towson University and was honored as a Fulbright Scholar. When Ed retired in 2018, Kerry and he moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to live in their dream location of warm weather and year-round beauty. In retirement, Ed continued to write, share his reflections on world events, and enjoy long walks in their neighborhood. He especially treasured visits from family and friends, always ready with a quick wit and warm hospitality. He also found joy in teaching his homeschooled grandchildren, passing on his love for history and the power of critical thinking. Ed's most important legacy is his wife, children, and grandchildren. His wife, as well as each one of his four children and seven grandchildren, were keenly aware of Ed's deep, unconditional love for them; all knew that such love came from Ed's love for and faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He knew the depths of God's saving love and grace, and he expressed this love and grace to everyone he knew, intentionally investing in the lives of others for their good. With a relentless work ethic, incredibly sharp intellect, and exceptional sense of humor, Ed cared for those he knew and loved with fierce devotion. Ed is survived by his beloved wife Kerry, son Steven, daughter Sarah (Lozier), daughter-in-law Stefanie, son-in-law Jeremy Lozier and seven grandchildren- Sophia, Emilia, Victoria, Hannah, Lillian, Leo and Robert- as well as brother Philip, sister-in-law Gloria Jean, brother-in-law Mason, brother-in-law David, sister-in-law Maureen, many devoted nieces and nephews (Bryan, Kristina, Corey, Kristy, Zachary, Katye, Ian and Heather) and great nieces and nephews (Thomas, Michael, Corey Mason, Kristopher, Gracie, Brady, Ciara, Patrick, Jacob, Lainey and Lily). He is predeceased by his parents, several close aunts and uncles, niece Kimberleigh Woolston, sister-in-law Patricia Woolston, and grandson Jack Esbrandt. A Celebration of Life service will be held in Spring 2026 in Maryland.