Robert Douglas (Bob) Esposito, age 63, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2021, at McCall Hospice of Greenville in Simpsonville, SC after a courageous 12 year battle with Multiple Myeloma, a form of the mean, stinking cancer. Bob far outlived his prognosis and refused to let the disease diminish or define him. Instead, he spent the past 12 years, focused on "Living the Dream," doing those things that had been on his heart his whole life and sharing them with others. It brought him a tangible sense of peace and depth that lasted until the end and inspired his many loved ones.
Bob was born on August 12, 1957, in Joliet, Illinois to Elizabeth Jackson Esposito and Joseph Anthony (Tony) Esposito. He graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan New Jersey and the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. He was an accomplished guitarist and lead singer of the Contra Blues Band, which he formed several years ago while undergoing cancer treatment. He loved playing in the band and riding his Harley on the Blue Ridge Parkway and anywhere else the road would take him.
Bob is survived by his loving partner of 12 years, Bonnie Kirkpatrick; his daughter, Stephanie Esposito (fiance, Thomas Guilinger) of Denver, Colorado; and his son, Jacob Esposito, daughter-in-law Amber and grandchildren, Emily and Ethan of Cleveland, Ohio. Bob also leaves behind his loyal couch companion, Maggie (Woof!).
Bob is already deeply missed by his brother Michael Esposito (Sue), 4 sisters, Katherine Esposito, Jane Rowan (Bruce), Mary Esposito, and Susanne Wiedemann (Gunter), an abundance of nieces and nephews, and his hundreds of friends and adoring fans. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, JoAnn Rogers (Marty).
Bob was the friend who would do anything for you, a listening ear when you needed one, a strong guy who would mow your lawn or paint your house, and the person you would call to be there with you when you needed a shoulder to lean on. The world has lost a warrior and we mourn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bob's favorite radio station, WNCW (wncw.org), or to the Hospice House of Greenville -1836 W. Georgia Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29680.
A private Celebration of Life will be held by the family.