Michael Salem “Mike” Essis, 67, of Chambersburg, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a courageous, hard-fought battle with cancer.
Born on February 23, 1959 in Harrisburg, he was a son of the late Salem Michael Essis and Saud Bahia (Issis) Essis.
Mike was a 1977 graduate of Central Dauphin High School, and continued his education at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business, while excelling at playing football as a 3-year starter at defensive tackle.
He was a two-time 1st Team All WVIAC Conference and Honorable Mention All American his senior year. Mike was proudly inducted into the Shepherd University Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Mike was the owner/operator of Essis and Son’s Carpet One Floor and Home in Chambersburg for 40 years, and took immense pride in caring for his customers like family, many of whom became lifelong friends.
A proud Mason, he served the Free & Accepted Masonic Lodge #143 in many capacities including past Worshipful Master and Chaplain.
He was a member of Christ the Savior Eastern Orthodox Church in Harrisburg, and also an active member of numerous local clubs, including the Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599, the Chambersburg Club, and the Chambersburg Exchange Club.
Mike supported and served on the Board of Directors for Hoffman Homes for Youth.
A diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Mike also loved and supported the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens, and Penn State football. He delighted in making mulligan birdies on numerous golf courses throughout the country with his friends, and taking his family on trips to the Outer Banks and exotic vacations to the Caribbean.
Mike’s pastimes also included coaching Cassie and Maddie’s soccer teams and teaching both girls to ski on the slopes of Colorado.
Most importantly, Mike loved his family, his community, and strongly believed in “walking the walk” by giving back to those less fortunate, especially disadvantaged youth. His quiet efforts and contributions to those in need far outweighed the importance and success of his business.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 29 years, Rebecca Ann “Becky” (Bricker) Essis, whom he married on May 26, 1996; two daughters, Cassandra M. Essis of Mechanicsburg and Madalyn A. Essis of Costa Rica; siblings, David Essis of Hershey, Robert Essis of Mechanicsburg, Hon. Debbie Curcillo of Harrisburg, Tina Lountzis of Lancaster, and Tammy Culkar of Denver, CO.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Donna Essis, and Sandy Essis, and one brother, Nicholas Essis.
Funeral services to honor Mike’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Grand Point Church 2230 Grand Point Road, Chambersburg, with visitation preceding the service from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. The Rev. Dr. A. Robert Cook will officiate.
Interment will be private.
The family will also receive friends from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Friday, March 27, in the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home 333 Falling Spring Road Chambersburg, with the visitation concluding at 7 p.m. with a Masonic Service conducted by members of the George Washington Lodge #143 Free & Accepted Masons.
Memorial contributions in Mike’s memory may be made to Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, Inc. 6555 Rock Spring Drive Suite 280 Bethesda, MD 20817 or by visiting wish.org/midatlantic.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael S. Essis, please visit the flower store.
