William “Chip” Essick Jr.
William “Chip” Essick Jr., of East Earl, Pennsylvania, who was a resident of Rose Valley for more than 60 years, passed away peacefully on February 16. He was 82.
The son of the late Grier Essick and Mary (née Blounts) Essick, Chip was preceded in death by his son Christopher.
Chip graduated from Nether Providence High School in Wallingford and went on to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Drexel University. After becoming licensed in Pennsylvania both as a certified public accountant and as a nursing home administrator, Chip served as a trusted advisor to a diverse group of businesses, entrepreneurial endeavors, not-for-profit organizations, and civic associations for more than 50 years. Chip was proficient in business, finance, and legal matters, and he reveled in volunteering his expertise to those in need.
Chip and his family moved to Rose Valley in 1949, beginning a long and proud history as part of that community. After World War II, his parents were instrumental in reviving the Rose Valley Folk Variety Show. For many years, his mother Mary choreographed all the dance routines and made all the costumes for the shows, and Chip participated in them until a few years ago.
After moving away for a time, Chip returned to Rose Valley in 1976 with his wife Susan and her children, Kelly and Doug. The family lived in the Shay house on the Saul Estate. In 2017, they took off on an open-road adventure, traveling the country in their RV.
Chip was a most generous and giving person, especially to Rose Valley community organizations. He joined the Rose Valley Borough Council, serving as its controller from 1977 to 1989, and as a councilman from 1989 to 1994. After the Hedgerow Theatre burned down in 1985, Chip helped create the Hedgerow Foundation, and, with his wife Susan, became part of the Hedgerow Guild, raising funds for the theater and giving it financial advice. In 1988, when the Rose Valley Swim Club needed major repairs to survive, Chip devised a financial plan that helped save the pool. In 2012, Chip became one of the founding members of the Rose Valley Centennial Foundation, which eventually took ownership of Thunderbird Lodge, now home to the Rose Valley Museum.
After his family, Chip’s biggest love was cars. His particular passion was restoring antique Cadillacs and owning recreational vehicles. A longtime member of the Cadillac LaSalle Club, he loved to go to car shows on the Carlisle and Hershey fairgrounds. Later in his retirement, Chip enjoyed collecting toy trains and model cars.
Chip was a true gentleman and wore the warmest smile in any room. He was the essence of goodness, kindness, wisdom, and wit, combined in a person who was both easygoing and full of life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Susan (née Bair) Essick, and his adoring children and stepchildren: Grier Essick of Sea Isle City, New Jersey; James Essick of Wilmington, Delaware; Debra Smith of Wilmington, Delaware; Kelly Caulfield (Bob) of Rose Valley; and Douglas Wilmerton of San Jose, California. Chip was also a devoted grandfather to 10 grandchildren: Ethan, Mariel, Elene, Melat, Chandler, Alison, Maxwell, Harrison, Rori, and Ian, all of whom referred to him affectionately as “Papa.” Additionally, he is survived by his sister Dorothy “Dottie” Schantz (Denny) of Salisbury, Maryland; a niece, Andrea Bullock (Stephen); and Andrea’s two children.
Chip’s family intends to hold a celebration of his life on June 6 at the Old Mill, 9 Old Mill Lane, Rose Valley. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation beginning at 11 a.m., with words of remembrance beginning at noon. Interment of ashes will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Chip’s memory be made to the Rose Valley Centennial Foundation, 41 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley, PA 19063.
