Richard C. Esler, III, 78, passed away on January 1, 2017 in a local nursing home. Born in Trentum, PA on January 31, 1938 to Richard and Cherilla (Mulder) Esler, he was a Springfield resident writer and educator. He was a graduate of Muskingum College with a B.A. in Spanish, the National University of Mexico, and Middlebury College, where he earned an M.A. in Spanish. His esteemed career in education spanned 45 years as a Spanish teacher, administrator and headmaster in independent schools throughout the United States, including the MacDuffie School. He leaves his wife, Marion (Limanek) Esler of Springfield, son Richard C. Esler, III, daughter Frances Fincik, step-children: Paul Thomas Mielinski, Jennifer Mielinski and Stephanie Oulton (Kevin), brother Derke Esler (Eleanor), 3 grandchildren, Hannah, Colleen and Andrew Fincik, four step-grandchildren, Cody Meklas (Serena), Kyle Meklas, Joseph Mielinski and Jaiden Marney as well as many other family members. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA on January 8, 2017 from 2-4pm with eulogies at 4pm. For further information please visit www. nefcc.net