John C. Esposito | Physician, 86

John C. Esposito, 86, a physician in Springfield, Delaware County, for more than 50 years, died Monday, Feb. 18, of cancer at his winter home in Cape Coral, Fla.

A son of Italian immigrants, Dr. Esposito grew up in South Philadelphia. His parents, Charles and Anna, impressed on him the importance of a sound education.

After graduating from South Philadelphia High School for Boys and Temple University, he received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine.

While serving an internship at Philadelphia General Hospital, Dr. Esposito met Janice Jerostic, a nurse, who became his wife. They were married 60 years.

Dr. Esposito enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant and served as the base doctor at Sampson Air Force Base in Lodi, N.Y. He later served as a captain at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii.

Dr. Esposito returned to the Philadelphia area in 1955. He set up a medical practice in Springfield, initially working from home. As the practice grew, he moved to an office on Springfield Road.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Nancy Fisher, Suzanne Von Drach, and Patricia Gildea, and five grandchildren.

Donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 136 Saxer Ave., Springfield, Pa. 19064.