MICHAEL JOSEPH ESKRA's Obituary
Eskra CLU, ChFC, Michael Joseph
79, passed away on September 28. He is survived by a family who loved him, his wife Anne, who he was married to for 60 years, children, Diane, Chris, David, Peter, Michael and their families. While he loved his children, he adored his grandchildren, Michael, Jeff, Sarah, Sean, Lauren, Patrick, Paige, Landon and the newest, Grayson. He was born on October 10, 1935 in a small town in upstate New York, the youngest of three children, adored by his mother. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University with BS in Economics. He completed the ROTC program there and was named a Distinguished Military Graduate. Mike married his lifelong partner, Anne, soon after graduating (1956). They moved to Pittsburgh where he started his very successful career with the Continental Insurance Company. In 1963 he was brave enough to take an opportunity and move the family to Miami where he joined Provident, Life and Accident. Mike worked for Provident for 30 years becoming perhaps the most successful branch manager in history. He became a legend in the disability industry. In 1993 he started his own firm, Eskra and Associates, where three of his four sons are partners today. He had a rewarding and distinguished career that he truly enjoyed. He helped start the International Disability Insurance Society and was a recipient of the Harold Peterson Lifetime achievement award as well as other numerous industry awards. He believed in giving back and over his life supported many charitable activities. He was a long time serving member and advisor to the Board of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami. He was a man with a big heart and a generous spirit. When he walked into a room, his impact was felt and he always made everyone feel like a friend. He was loved by his family and his friends, who will all miss him very much. A memorial gathering will take place at Van Orsdel Coral Gables Funeral Chapel, Thursday evening October 1, 7-9. A funeral mass will be held at Church of the Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables, Friday, October 2, at 10:00. Memorial donations can be made to Camillus House and the Marion Center.
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