Anthony L. Esgro

Anthony (Tony) L. Esgro, 88, died Friday, September 15, 2023. Born March 7, 1935, in Glassboro at his parents’ home. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him. He touched many lives in the South Jersey community. Tony was a lifelong Glassboro resident. He was one of three children born to Bastiano (Buck) and Louise (nee Amico) Esgro.

Tony was a three-sport athlete at Glassboro High School, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. He earned a full scholarship to Villanova University to play football where he starred and played against some of the best college football teams and players in the country. After earning a Bachelor’s degree he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education from Glassboro State University, and he embarked on a 42-year career at Gloucester Township Public Schools. He was a teacher, principal and ultimately Assistant Superintendent of schools.

Tony’s work ethic was legendary, in addition to his career in education he owned a pizzeria in Glassboro (A&K Pizza) for many years and served as a police officer with the Glassboro Police Department. Tony was also a successful entrepreneur as a real estate investor, owning several apartment buildings and houses.

Tony’s love for and dedication to his community was exemplified by his civic involvement. He served multiple terms on the Glassboro Board of Education and Town Council and was Director of Public Safety. He ran for mayor and had several runs at county freeholder and state assembly on the Republican party ticket. As Director of Public Safety for Glassboro he was intimately involved in the historic 1967 “Glassboro Summit,” held at the Hollybush Mansion at Glassboro State College between President Lyndon B. Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexi Kosygin.

Tony helped coordinate security with federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies during the 3-day summit of these two world leaders. He was an active member of the St. Anthony’s Beneficial Society for over 60 years. Tony was inducted into the Glassboro High School and Gloucester County Athletic Halls of Fame as well as the South Jersey Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame. He spent many years as a youth baseball coach and umpire in Glassboro, leading several teams to all-star district and regional titles and state tournament appearances. He coached youth basketball in Gloucester Township and started a middle school travel basketball program in Glassboro that played competitively against other local middle schools. He fell in love with Sea Isle City, NJ, purchasing a home there in 1986 and spending all his summers and free time there with family and friends. He loved boating, fishing, crabbing, the beach, and the many times spent on the dock watching the amazing Townsend Inlet sunsets.

Beloved husband of Kathleen (nee Craig) for 62 years, who he adored. Devoted father of Kimberly (Phil) Barca, Anthony (Kim), Glenn (Terri), Daniel and Robert (Gwen) Esgro. Loving Pop Pop of Brendan, Philip, Nicco, Salvatore, Sophia, Christian, Austin, Luca, and Marco. Loving brother to Sebastian (deceased) and his twin brother George (Rosalie) Esgro. Uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews who he loved very much. Tony had a charismatic personality that was larger than life, and he had a unique ability to light up a room anytime he entered. He was always there to help someone in need and acted as a mentor to so many in the community. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted family man and true gentleman that will be very sadly missed by all who loved him. A life well lived!

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, in loving memory or Tony’s father, Bastiano Esgro, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org.

Friends may call on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Turnersville, NJ, and Monday, September 25, 2023, 10:15-11:15 a.m. at St. Bridget’s University Parish, 125 Church Street, Glassboro, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, September 25, 2023, 11:30 a.m. at St. Bridget’s University Parish. Interment following at Manahath Cemetery, 730 North Main Street, Glassboro.