Memoriam Ronald A. Esper, D.O.

The sun dimmed over the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), as the LECOM family itself was shaken by the news of the loss of Ronald A. Esper, D.O., its longtime friend and advocate, The College remains grateful for a man whose integrity burnished those he touched with a sense of the possible.

As a founding member of the College, Dr. Ronald Esper was a dynamic and vital thread running through the tapestry of all that is LECOM. A bright spirit, vibrant energy, and a quick wit accompanied his caring presence, from the classroom at LECOM - as a former Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery, to the world at large - as a focused and highly-skilled physician. Dr. Esper imbued those around him with his infectious sense of purpose to a cause greater than himself. LECOM collectively extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire Esper family.

Ronald A. Esper, D.O.

A Pennsylvania native (originally from Pittsburgh), his parents instilled in him the importance of moral qualities and of an exalted mind, character, and spirit. The faith-filled, grounded guidance that shaped his devotion to family, to country, to education, and to osteopathic medicine would follow him throughout his lifetime.

Ronald A. Esper, D.O., passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on May 10, 2023.

The capable physician received B.S. and Ed.S. Degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and he was a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Services Corps.

While pursuing his medical degree in osteopathic medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, he also met the love of his life, Kathleen.

After residency, he practiced as a general surgeon and urologist for 40 years. Dr. Esper was a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. He was a Past President of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, and he served on the Board of Trustees of the American Osteopathic Association, eventually becoming its President. The venerable healer also served as a consultant in urology for the National Board of Examiners, former Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Millcreek Community Hospital, Founder and CEO of the Esper Medical Center, an Assistant Clinical Professor at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and as noted, a committed and highly-regarded Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at LECOM.

Dr. Esper’s passion to succeed propelled his purpose-driven heart, enabling him to bring life to his vision for the future of medicine. A man ahead of his time, in 1976, he became the founder of the Esper Medical Center in Millcreek Township, the first free-standing ambulatory surgical care facility in the eastern United States.

His active role in the formative years of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and his continued support of the institution throughout his career and retirement has etched the name Esper permanently into the legacy that is LECOM.

Clad in coat and tie each day, and ever conscious of the nobility of the calling, Dr. Esper emphasized the need for scholars to be attired professionally. He arrived on campus promptly at 5:30 AM prepared to ensure the proper appearance of the student body.

Dr. Esper was a familiar LECOM personage, daily traversing the halls of each building to ensure all was in order and well presented. His generous heart found him frequently in the offices of faculty and staff, bearing boxes of treats.

Dr. Ron Esper vigorously advocated education as a means to lift oneself out of poverty—a philosophy fostered by his own experience, as he and many of his ten siblings sought higher education to improve their quality of life from their humble beginnings as first-generation Syrian-Americans. He motivated successive generations of his family to pursue, not only higher education, but careers in medicine; inspiring nineteen members of his family to tread along his well-honed path.

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Dr. Ronald Esper is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Kathleen; by his three children (and their families); and by his seven grandchildren.

In the enduring value of his lofty achievements, in the many thousands that he touched, in his own loving family and in the family that is LECOM - Ronald A. Esper, D.O. will leave his indelible legacy.

Sarah Elizabeth Jamieson Receives