Deacon Dan Essary remembered as a man 'always willing to answer the call from God'

Friday, Sep. 27, 2019

OGDEN — That Deacon Dan Essary, who passed away Sept. 12, joined the United States Army as a young man was just one example of his giving heart, Father Kenneth Vialpando said in his homily at Deacon Essary’s funeral. 

“He had a hunger, a thirst and a yearning for serving not only his country, but God, country, family and friends,” said Fr. Vialpando, diocesan vicar for clergy. “He never skipped a beat; he always hit the mark, was always willing to answer the call from God through the bishop and the Church.”

A member of the Knights of Columbus, Deacon Essary “not only served throughout the diocese but … wherever he was called by God, through God, with God, and he had that motto in his heart and soul, ‘Here I am Lord; I come to do your will,’” Fr. Vialpando said.

“Like the true disciples on the road to Emmaus, Deacon Dan went out of his way to serve God, country family and friends,” Fr. Vialpando said, referring to the day’s Gospel reading.

“Deacon Dan definitely was a man who had eyes of faith,” said Fr. Vialpando who jokingly referred to Deacon Essary’s trademark habit of wearing his glasses on his forehead. 

“I always saw his prescription glasses on his head and not once on his face,” he said.

Fr. Vialpando was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Sept. 21 funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church. It was concelebrated by Monsignor Colin M. Bircumshaw, vicar general, and several priests of the diocese. The Deacon of the Mass was Deacon Howard Schuyler. The Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard.

Deacon Essary was born in Springfield, Mo., to Edgar “Pete” and Betty Rippee Essary on Oct. 8, 1947. He married his wife, Nancy, on July 4, 1975. After his time in the Army, he graduated from Westminster College in Salt Lake City with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He had a long career in the car business, primarily at Bountiful Mazda.

He was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church on Jan. 24, 2004 by the Most Rev. George H. Niederauer, eighth Bishop of Salt Lake City. Deacon George Reade, chancellor, was in the same diaconate class as Deacon Essary.

“He was just such a good friend to everybody,” Deacon Reade said. “The thing I remember about Dan was he was really open, really sociable; he just fit in with all the different personalities. He just did well with everyone. Whether you needed help with some business interest or just some advice, he always open to help you, always really generous with his time.”

Deacon Essary was well-known for his sense of humor.

“He had a constant smile on face,” Deacon Reade said. “Even when he was not feeling well or doing well, he always just pushed on through it; he was a pretty steady guy.”

Deacon Essary was always very supportive of his wife Nancy, principal at St. Joseph Elementary School, Deacon Reade said. “They were so close they were a wonderful example for all of us.”

Deacon Essary most recently served at the parishes of St. Joseph and St. James the Just in Ogden and St. Mary in West Haven.

He leaves behind his wife, Nancy; children Richard (Kathy) and Angela (Richard); grandchildren Dominic, Landon and Abigail Hummel; brother Russell (Debbie) Essary; and sister Jean Fry. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Leslie and sister-in-law Margaret. 

Deacon Essary was buried at Aultorest Memorial Park in Ogden.