Bryan Henry Esterly

Bryan H. Esterly

November 21, 1939 - December 24, 2025

It is with very heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Bryan H. Esterly, of Apex, N.C. on December 24, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Diane L. Esterly, who passed in December of 2024. Bryan leaves behind him son Bryan “Chip” L. Esterly (wife, Tracy) of Hope Mills and daughter Kristin D. Esterly Robinson (husband, Russell) of Kernersville, NC, and grandchildren Derek Bryan Esterly (wife, Anna) of Chantilly, Va. and Andrew Bryce Esterly (wife, Callie) of Fayetteville, NC.

Bryan Henry Esterly was born November 21, 1939 in Berks County, PA and grew up in Bowers, Pa. His parents were Bryan Clarence Esterly and Daisy Sarah Conrad Esterly. Bryan was an independent and hard-working youngster of integrity and was fondly known as Buddy by his classmates and then-girlfirend/later wife, Diane Fenstermaker Esterly (aka/Red). These strong traits remained with him throughout his entire life.

Bryan was a 1957 graduate of Kutztown Area High School, Kutztown, PA. He honorably served in the Air Force right after high school and pursued his Electrical Engineering education via Penn State and NC State University. He landed a job as an engineer with IBM and worked in Endicott, NY for a few years before relocating with IBM in 1965 to Research Triangle Park in Raleigh, NC, where he worked until retirement after 30 years of service. He was known professionally for his ability to solve design and production problems and his position and responsibilities required frequent travel to Japan and other countries, which garnered him long-term foreign friendships. His work also afforded him international living assignments in England and Scotland, which he and Diane enjoyed and made the most of.

Bryan and Diane raised their family in Cary, NC for 23 years before moving to their beloved property in Apex, NC. Bryan loved every minute of his long retirement, never regretted retiring at 55, and was never bored a day in his retired life! Bryan’s love for flying, vintage cars, motorcycles, fishing, and engineering brought him much joy, and he shared these passions with everyone. He earned his private pilot's license in the late 1970s and has flown his family on many trips since then. He also flew many hours in the skies just for fun and was proud to have passed every required check-ride, allowing him to hold a valid pilot's license (and DMV license) up to the day he left this earth. He highly valued and prided himself on being fully independent and was very capable and independent right up until the day he passed.

Bryan was a devoted family man of quiet strength and was completely generous with his time. He was always present for his children's activities in sports and hobbies, demonstrating family values and the importance of support. He was thrilled when his grandchildren came along, and they became a huge part of his and Diane’s life. Derek and Andrew added even more love and deeper purpose to his days. There was nothing Bryan would not do for his children or his grandchildren. He selflessly put others before himself throughout his entire life. He truly exemplified love-in-action. There is no better example of what it means to be of service to others.

Bryan's passions and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed spending time in his garage workshop (which he and his neighbor, Mark, built themselves, and which Diane creatively named the Taj Garage) and spent many, many hours teaching his grandchildren about cars and repairs of all kinds. Bryan could fix anything; there was nothing he could not repair/restore/renovate/reconstruct himself. It is impossible to measure the volume of lessons and things his family and others, have learned from him.

Though Bryan may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. The ripple effects of his knowledge and beliefs, his life actions and choices, and his experiences and character have positively influenced and affected so many around him. It is certain he is now seeing the complete picture and is astounded by his life’s "work", which never seemed like “work” to him. A well-lived life? Absolutely.

We profoundly grieve the loss of a truly special, one-of-a-kind, devoted husband, incredible father, and wonderful grandad. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for generations.

We pray that his reunion with Diane was perfectly grand. The Engineer and The Artist together again, forever. And we look forward to the day we are reunited.

Service information will be announced at a later time. 

As he was an avid dog lover who shared his home with many companion dogs throughout his entire life, donations can be made in his name to the Wake County SPCA, Chatham County SPCA, or a canine rescue organization of your choice. Sharing your stories of remembrance is also greatly appreciated.