John Esayian

After a long and hard fought battle John Esayian (84) finally succumbed to cancer early in the morning of January 24th. John contracted Mesothelioma, most likely in the United States Marine Corps where he came into contact with Asbestos. In late 2008 John was told he had only months to live. His defiant response was, "I don't care what they are telling me, I am not ready to go anywhere yet.” He was correct.

Born an immigrant's son here in the US on October 14th, 1930, his first school experience was being locked in a closet by a teacher with a sign around his neck reading, "Teach this garlic eater English...” After Pearl Harbor he ran to the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot to join the Corps and was turned away due to age but returned a few years later to enlist. As a USMC radio operator in the Infantry, 1st Marines, he served admirably including a rescue mission in Lebanon of British Civilians on Christmas Eve in 1951. Although his mission was a success the events and required actions of that night were a burden carried with him throughout his life.

Upon wrapping up his military service John decided to enter college and realized he was quite a football player. Roughly the same time he met a beautiful young woman, Susan Chalekian, whom John immediately knew was his life's love. Within a few months both Susan’s parents passed away of natural causes and the stark reality of managing three brothers was on the horizon. As usual, John made the difficult but correct decision and proposed to Susan, engaging a ready built family and quitting college to begin working. All three brothers (Nazareth, Suran, Adam) matured and entered military service as did John's brother Harry (John also has a surviving sister Mimi).

After some schooling, John worked as a mechanical engineer, he and his wife Susan congruently started their first business a Dairy Queen to support their family. As the ready-made family matured Susan's brothers became independent and John went back to college while working full time. John’s goal was to attend medical school but at that time age was a barrier and he considered heading to Mexico to attend medical for his continued education but Susan became pregnant with their son, Nick (47) and cancelling John’s plan. John attacked in another direction. He finished college at Carthage with exemplary grades and advanced degrees in Medical Technology, Biology, and Chemistry all while working full time. John’s career included working at St. Luke’s Hospital the field of Medical Technology and running a Hallmark card and gift business w Susan and other family in addition to being an engaged father.

In the mid 1970’s John and Susan were made aware of a death of a dear friend’s spouse. The Coroner at the time, an elected official, showed up in impaired condition to break the news to the deceased's wife. At that moment John decided to run for the office of Racine County Coroner. Through a vicious election cycle, opposed by various political groups, and innumerable personal attacks, with the help from his family and friends, he won the election and added being the county Coroner to the rest of his already full plate of responsibilities. At the time, the position of Coroner paid almost nothing and added unplanned schedule changes to John and his family’s life 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the cancellation of trips and family events, as well as the exposure with no insulation to the deaths of friends, family, loved ones. The Esayian household had no buffer when those notification calls came in. John would venture out at all hours, in all weather, and go to conduct whatever investigation was necessary and also deal with thousands of families in the community in a professional manner, at their darkest time, to provide comfort. When called upon in military service John was a lion in the fight but displayed memorable moments of compassion as the Racine County Medical Examiner in executing his duties.

As science and politics progressed John became of the opinion that the elected office of Coroner was outdated and the community of Racine and the entire state of Wisconsin needed to migrate to the appointed position of Medical Examiner. John contacted Marilyn Quayle (Vice President Dan Quayle's wife) to assist him in his quest. Ms. Quayle partnered with John to make that transition happen and in the process virtually eliminated his own job and reapplied for the new position as Medical Examiner. John then worked to perpetuate this same change across the state of Wisconsin. John retired from his position of the Medical Examiner in 1997.

In the course of that career John trained with the FBI, was a member of a national DEMORT team, and eventually put in a reserve position with Homeland Security until diagnosed with Mesothelioma in 2008. As an active member of St. Mesrob Armenian Church John was a Christian and his Armenian heritage defined him in addition to his title of United States Marine.

As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, Marine, and friend, John was the man most could only aspire to be. Hardworking, warm, loyal, honest, consistent, disciplined, caring, mentor, loyal, protective, encouraging, kind, warm, an example of how to deal with people at all levels, organized, aspired to greatness, never was a victim, treated everyone equally, passionate, loved this country and most importantly never quit. The quality of John’s existence was not determined by his accomplishments or the material goods earned but the company he kept.

His beautiful wife of over 60 years was right by his side when he passed Saturday am. John’s love, respect, warmth and partnership with Susan was humbling to all. Their relationship truly was the definition of love as it was meant to be.

Special thanks to his wife Susan who fought the good fight with John to his last moment with strength/compassion, the Chalekians in Racine that were relentless in their support, the innumerable family, friends, and healthcare professionals, Reverend Kelegian, Dr. Michael Mullane, and all the professionals at the Hospice House in Racine that shepherded John to the finish line with dignity and compassion. John would have wanted to thank everyone for contributing to the happiness he enjoyed in his life, say Semper Fi one last time to all the Marines past and present (all military), tell his family and most importantly his wife, son and grand children he loved them, and not to lament his passing but celebrate a full life lived... 2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 10:00 A.M. at St. Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., with Rev. Yeprem Kelegian officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the funeral home, 4:00 P.M. -7:45 P.M. (Prayer service at 7:45 P.M.) and on Wednesday at the church 9:00 A.M. until time of service at 10:00 A.M. Entombment with Full Military Honors will be held at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Armenian Eye Project (AECP) P.O. Box 5630 Newport Beach, CA 92662 have been suggested.