In Memoriam: AOA Past President Ronald A. Esper, DO

AOA Past President Ronald A. Esper, DO, 90, died on May 10, 2023. Following is a remembrance:

Dr. Esper graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh before joining the US Army, where he served two years in San Antonio, Texas, and attained the rank of first lieutenant. He went on to attain his degree in osteopathic medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, where he also met the love of his life, Kathleen. After residency, he practiced as a general surgeon and urologist for 40 years. He also served as the president of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association and on the board of trustees of the American Osteopathic Association, eventually becoming its president.

Ronald had a strong personality and a competitive drive to succeed, enabling him to bring his vision for the future of medicine to life. He founded the Esper Medical Center in Millcreek Township in 1976, which was the first free standing ambulatory surgical care facility in the eastern United States. He also played an active role in establishing the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and remained an avid supporter of the institution throughout his career and retirement.

He was a firm believer in using higher education as a means to lift oneself out of poverty—a philosophy fostered from personal experience, as he and many of his ten siblings used education to improve their quality of life from their humble beginnings as first-generation Syrian Americans. He motivated the following generations of his family to pursue not only higher education but careers in medicine, inspiring 19 members to follow in his footsteps and become physicians.

Ronald had a great sense of responsibility to his entire family and cared deeply for them. His sense of quick-witted humor was always present and appreciated by the people around him.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathleen; his children, Jeffrey (Rebecca), Stephany (William), and Erik (Suzanne); and his seven grandchildren, Andrew, Jacob, Kathryn, Lauren, Samantha, Karina, and Benjamin.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to LECOM student scholarship fund or your favorite charity.