Dr. H. Esbenshade,

John H. Esbenshade, Jr. died in Naples, Florida on Sunday, March 16, 2014. John was born in Lancaster in 1930, the son of the late Dr. J. Howard and Martha Volrath Esbenshade. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elsebeth Lehmann Esbenshade. John was a well-known Cardiologist at Lancaster General Hospital and was Director of Medical Education at the hospital for over twenty five years. He also maintained a long standing private practice, which he merged with The Heart Group of Lancaster prior to his retirement. He began his education at the Lawrenceville School, graduated from Franklin & Marshall College and Temple University School of Medicine. He completed his Internship at Temple University Hospital, then served as a Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy (R) Medical Corps. His career was distinguished by the following: Fellow, American College of Physicians; Fellow, American College of Cardiology; Senior Registrar and Research Fellow at Guy’s Hospital, London, England - and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Temple University. He also held numerous professional positions, membership in a wide variety of Medical Societies, and was the author of many papers, published in medical journals. His community service was marked by Board positions with The Demuth Foundation, Linden Hall School, Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and the American SHAW Festival at Mt. Gretna. Another aspect of John was his talent with both piano and organ, and love of theatre. He was a frequent participant in the Fulton Theatre Kiwanis Productions. He appeared as the leading man in the Fulton musicals ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘On A Clear Day You Can See Forever.’ He was an avid world traveler and enjoyed sailing, squash and tennis. And last but not least, he was a proud member of the Slumbering Ground Hog Lodge. His designation as an Eagle Scout surely served him well at the Lodge. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey Appel Esbenshade and his brother, J. David Esbenshade. He is survived by a son, John - Lancaster, PA, a daughter, Liz Reeves - Ludlow, MA, a son, Andy, husband of Lisa - Lancaster, PA and a daughter, Maggie, wife of Miguel Espinosa - La Mesa, CA. Three grandchildren: Ziyah Esbenshade, Liz Fluck and Peter Reeves and four great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial service at Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange St., Lancaster, PA on Saturday, April 12th at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Dana Schlegel officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private interment will be held at Longeneckers Reformed Mennonite Cemetery at the convenience of the family. If desired, contributions may be made in John Esbenshade’s memory to: Demuth Foundation, 120 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 or Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida, 1048 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, FL 34102.

Dr. H. Esbenshade,

March 25, 2014