Bill OBoyle: Missing my dear friend, Essy
Jun. 4—We all have had people in our lives who have made lasting impressions on us. Most lists would begin with our parents and go from there.
In cases where parental guidance has been exemplary, yet cut short, others have entered our lives and provided wonderful examples of how a human being should live his or her life.
I have had several of these relationship with people who I have considered mentors, advisers, teachers, friends, confidants, who have provided sage wisdom and guidance and not just in words, but in the way they lived their lives.
I won't list all of those who have helped me through many years and struggles — I'm certain they know who they are.
But today I must take time to talk about one person whose friendship I valued and who I will always recall whenever I need to think something through.
Her name is Essy Davidowitz.
Essy passed away on May 17 in her Kingston home. She was 88.
To say Essy will be missed truly is an understatement. Essy was, without question, a pillar of our society.
What does that mean, exactly?
I offer this definition of a true pillar of society:
"A person who is universally respected — reliable — decent — and hard-working, that is more of a giver than taker; often engaging in voluntary work and taking up worthy causes; one who neighbors and the community have high regard and esteem for."
That is, and was, Essy Davidowitz.
Over the years, I had the pleasure of having Essy as a friend who I could call when the answers to certain questions weren't clear. Essy never let me down. Her sage wisdom was always on the mark and her thought process was clear and to the point. She never backed away from any question, and she always provided the answer as she saw it.
Having this resource to tap into whenever needed was a gift that always kept giving. Essy was always there when needed and she was a remarkable human being.
We discussed community. We discussed politics. We discussed education. We discussed social injustices. We discussed ethics. We discussed religion. We discussed humanity and the humane treatment of each other. There was no subject that Essy wouldn't discuss and no answer she wouldn't provide.
So as we all move on with life without Essy, we still have those memories she gave us and the knowledge she espoused that made us better at being human beings.
Essy gave us the blueprint of how to be a better person and how to improve every day.
In 2020, Paul S. Adams, vice president of student affairs at Wilkes University, said it best when speaking of Essy — the 2020 recipient of the university's President's Medal.
"Few people have preserved the history of Wilkes University in the detail and eloquence of Essy Davidowitz," Adams said. "She has always been an advocate for the educational advancement of our students, especially those who are the first in their family to earn a degree."
Davidowitz and her late husband, Bill, had been supporters of Wilkes for nearly 50 years. She was a member of the university's Board of Trustees from 1973 through 2006 when she received emerita status.
A prominent figure in the Wyoming Valley, Essy received numerous accolades for her professional, civic and community efforts. She was awarded the Distinguished Community Service Award by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith and was the recipient of the Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council of Jewish Women.
Essy and her family have also been recognized by the borough of Kingston, Temple Israel and Generation2Generation for their work in the community.
Essy and Bill, founder of Penn Footwear in Nanticoke, were married for 62 years. They have four sons and nine grandchildren.
Essy's community work was second to none. If you take the time, you will see the impact she and Bill had on this community and how much better this community became because of Essy and Bill.
Essy's obituary said this:
"She led by example with a wise heart that called for peace and understanding. She was a brilliant woman, advocate for others and a lifelong learner with a passion for the arts. She inspired many with her kindness, resilience, Jewish values and love of family. Her passing is a deep loss for her family, the community and the world."
I will forever miss Essy. I am sure I will pick up the phone and start to dial her number before realizing that warm, welcoming voice on the other end will not pick up.
And then I will sit back and imagine the conversation that I would have had with Essy. And I will be guided, again. I will be better because of Essy — again.
Rest in peace my friend.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
