Elliot Essman died August 26, 2026 of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his son, Thor Essman, sisters Susie Essman and Nina Essman, three nieces and nephews – Sean Morrow, and Lorelei and Sabrina Essman-Freeman and three grandchildren – Selena, Lenox and Felix Essman. He is pre-deceased by parents Zora and Leonard Essman, and a sister, Nora Morrow.
Born May 18, 1950 in the Bronx, Elliot grew up in Mt. Vernon, NY and graduated from Hofstra University before studying law at Fordham University. In his 76 years he lived in The Bronx, Manhattan, Fort Lee, Larchmont, Connecticut and Albuquerque. His final years were spent as a resident at the Jewish Home in Rockleigh, NJ.
Elliot had many careers in his life, from a love letter ghostwriter – a role much lauded in the press in 1988 – to wine copywriter, Institute-of-Culinary-Education-trained pastry chef, master guitarist, and food writer.
He was well-regarded as an expert in public speaking, foreign languages, and most notably, wine, for which Elliot was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Journalism Award in 2005 for beverage writing. An avid musician, prolific composer, pianist and guitar player, music of all kinds, but especially rock and roll, were the throughline of his life and his passion.
Elliot loved to write and create, and leaves behind an abundant amount of varied work, such as the Blues Cookbook, an album featuring tracks that doubled as recipes, and the book and score for a musical comedy, Meet Me At The Mall. He was a creator nearly up until his death and was working on his play, Food of the Gods, in his final days.
In later years, Elliot was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He documented his journey with the progressive neurological condition in a 2021 memoir, Parkinson’s Disease: My Brain This Time. He hoped to enlighten people through his own experience on how the disease alters speech, mobility, and day-to-day life, while highlighting enduring sources of hope, such as his grandchildren.
If you are inclined, please donate to the Michael J. Fox Center for Parkinson’s Research.