Obituary of Peter Edward Esch, Jr.

Peter Edward Esch, Jr., 94, of Cream Ridge, passed away at home on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Born in Lancaster, PA, Ed was raised in Exton, PA before coming to Lawrenceville. He was a graduate of Princeton High School and a veteran of the United States Army. Ed and his late wife Jean settled in Hightstown, where they raised their family before moving to Cream Ridge over 20 years ago.

Ed had a long career in the HVAC field. He worked with William C. Pullen HVAC and then Coleman HVAC of Allentown. After retiring, he went on to work part time on a farm until he was 70 when he decided to fully retire.

Devoted to his community, Ed was a 70-year member of the Hightstown Fire Department- having served as the chief for seven years. Previously, he was a member of the local Lions Club. Ed was a motorcycle and car enthusiast and loved being out on his motorcycle or in his 2008 candy-apple red corvette. He also enjoyed going to classic car shows, NASCAR, and drag races. Recently, Ed became a Phillies fan!

Predeceased by his parents, Peter Edward and Clara Esch; his wife, Jean (Hutchinson) Esch; his daughter-in-law, Renay Esch; and his grandsons, Christopher Esch and Peter E. Esch, IV; he is survived by his daughter, Bonnie DiGiovacchino and her husband, David; his son, Peter Edward Esch, III; his granddaughter, Cathryn Massey and her husband, Joe; his sister, Darlene Fiscus; his companion, Jean Gilbert and her family; and his lifelong loyal dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ. 

Cremation services will be held privately.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to the Hightstown Engine Company No. 1, 140 North Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520.