David Baldwin Espey

David Baldwin Espey, aged 83, passed away on April 19th, 2024 at home in Bala Cynwyd PA. He was born on November 20th,1940, in Elmira NY to Jack and Mary Espey.

David graduated from Hamilton College and later went on to get his master’s at Johns Hopkins and his PHD in English at the University of Michigan.

David spent two years in Morocco as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the early 1960's, which gave him a deep appreciation of other cultures and perspectives and nurtured a love of teaching. The highlight of his career was as Director of the Writing Program at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught for twenty-eight years. David received Fulbright senior fellowships to teach in Morocco, Turkey, and Japan.

David loved traveling, hiking, reading, and gardening. He cared deeply about issues like literacy, poverty, and international health. He contributed his time and resources to various non-profit organizations, including serving as a board member of the Eastern Service Workers in Philadelphia.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Molly Tobin Espey, children Daniel J. Espey and Claire Tobin Espey, sisters Libby Reider and Margaret Iaconelli and brother John Espey, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer. Donations can be made to the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania (https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/giving)
 
Please share memories and condolences at www.https://www.donohuefuneralhome.com/obituaries/david-espey