OBITUARIES - 9/24/20

Sept. 1, 2020

William “Bill” Joseph Esler

Bill Esler, 60, of Westfield, N.J., died on Sept. 14.

In SSUSA, Esler was a long-time member of Phoenix Tube 50 and 55 (formerly Cryans and Willie McBrides). He played with the 50s team from 2010-2013, and then the 55s team from 2016-2017.

At the 2013 Tournament of Champions (TOC), Esler earned All-Tournament honors, helping to lead his Phoenix Tube team to a runner-up finish in the 50 AAA Division.

“Bill was a great guy, and a true gentleman,” said Michael Boone, SSUSA National Director. “I really enjoyed playing against him over the years, in both leagues and tournaments.”

Outside of senior softball, Esler was dedicated to High Expectations Inc., an organization committed to the Special Needs community, where he served as the Director of the NJ Hawks Soccer League. He also coached numerous Special Olympics teams.

Additionally, Esler spent weekends as a referee for the Westfield Basketball Association, and coached his daughter's youth softball and soccer teams.

Esler earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Monmouth College, and worked for CR Bard in Information Technology for over 30 years.

In Memoriam

Charles (Charlie) Bell, 68, of Rancho Cordova, Calif., died on May 15.