Phillip Stephan Esno

Phillip S. Esno (1947–2026)

Phillip Esno, 78, of Burgettstown, PA, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026—the 143rd day of the year, a day coined by Fred Rogers as “I Love You” Day.

Born September 23, 1947, in Langeloth, PA, the son of Pete and Dorothy (Suica) Esno, Phil grew up with a book in his hand, a gift for curiosity, and a natural talent for leadership.

A 1965 graduate of Union High School, Phil attended Clarion University to study English and later earned his Master’s degree in Education, specializing in Advanced Composition. It was at Clarion where he met his best friend and beloved wife of 57 years, Kathleen (Lewis) Esno.

After enlisting and serving in the U.S. Army, Phil and Kathy returned to Burgettstown in 1971. There, Phil began a distinguished career in education at the Burgettstown Area School District. An English teacher, school play director, and Assistant Band Director, he eventually retired in 2007 as the Federal Programs Coordinator. Phil dedicated his life to the students, families, and the community he loved.

Phil taught his students not just how to diagram a sentence, but how to fall in love with words. He was a gifted wordsmith who believed that language could both comfort and challenge us. Former students remember him for making Shakespeare feel like gossip, grammar feel like a superpower, and reading feel like an invitation rather than an assignment. The BASD library was dedicated in his honor in 2008 and, to this day, bears the name Phillip S. Esno Library.

Phil believed in community and supporting the town that he and Kathy called home for 55 years. It is said that Phil, at one point or another, supported every organization and community benefit in town. Whether writing grants, drafting policies, or sitting on boards, he believed in giving back to the place where he was born and raised.

Perhaps Phil’s greatest accomplishment was his love and dedication to his family. In addition to his wife, Kathy, who was always by his side, Phil is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Esno (Tony); his son, David (Maria); and his two greatest joys, his grandchildren Madeleine (“Punkin”) and Christopher (“Papa’s Best Bud”) Esno. He is also survived by his brother, Stanley Esno; nieces Stacie (Peter) Brown and Sonia (Frank) Bertovich; nephew Stanley Esno; and their families. Along with many cousins, Phil leaves behind numerous friends, colleagues, and past students who have became extended family.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Dorothy Esno; his parents-in-law, Harry and Mariann Lewis; his brother-in-law, Harrison Lewis; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Esno.

“And when your sorrow is comforted, (time soothes all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me. You will always be my friend. You will want to laugh with me. And you will sometimes open your window, so, for that pleasure.. And your friends will be properly astonished to see you laughing as you look up to the sky! Then you will say to them, 'Yes, the stars always make me laugh!' And they will think you are crazy. It will be a very shabby trick that I shall have played on you...” — The Little Prince

Phil was a proud organ donor and was a grateful recipient of an organ himself. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider becoming an organ or blood donor. So many families are given a second chance at life through these generous gifts.In a world that often feels chaotic, the family asks that you honor Phil’s memory with a simple, quiet gesture—a genuine smile or a helping hand. Choose kindness in Phil's honor.

Services with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday June 25, 2026 in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

A Celebration of Life—“Phil’s Party”—will be held immediately following the service, with details to be shared closer to the date.