Ariel Escobar, a Supervisor Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator for New York State Corrections, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at the age of 46 at his home in Monticello.

The son of Bernardo Escobar and Amparo Gil Escobar, he was born February 19, 1976 in Elmhurst, NY. Ariel impacted our family since the day he was born, especially helping us understand life’s biggest challenges by giving us faith. He was always correct, just, and fair to everyone.

In 2000, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Buffalo. He was the founder and president of Somos la Llave del Futuro (We are the Key to the Future) a Hispanic organization in Sullivan County. In 2004, he was appointed as Trustee of the Village of Monticello. In 2005, Ariel completed his Master’s Certificate of Business Management at the University of Tulane in Louisiana.

Ariel Escobar was very passionate, dedicated, organized and diligent in all of his work. He worked over 16 years at the NYS Correctional Department. He will also be dearly missed by his friends and co-workers at the Sullivan, Eastern, and Green Haven NYS Correctional Facilities. He was certified as a Professional Ski Instructor of America (PSIA) and enjoyed working at Holiday Mountain as ski instructor; he taught so many kids and friends to enjoy one of his many passions. His patience, fun and passion in teaching made him a highly respected and recognized instructor at Holiday Mountain. 

He was Trilingual, speaking Spanish, English and American Sign Language. He loved teaching American Sign Language at the Ethelbert B Crawford Public Library. He used languages to help connect with so many people and create a space for people to feel safe and seen. He was a friend to people of all ages and a guiding light to the youth in our community. For over 31 years he enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus during our Christmas celebration and putting a smile on everyone’s faces. He is forever Santa in our hearts and will always carry the magic of Christmas.

Though he was taken from us too soon, he is remembered every day by his friends and family. Ariel was a loving husband and father with a big heart. He was always thinking about his family and their future. He enjoyed traveling and going out every weekend with his family. He was a mentor, helper and a great dancer who enjoyed teaching people how to dance to Latin music. The effect that he had on so many people goes to show what kind of person he was. He was always positive and his spirit, good vibes, and humor never failed to light up any room.  Ariel was a beloved brother and uncle who never failed to brighten our days and make us laugh. He will be remembered for his generous heart and dedication to making a better world. Ariel was an active and caring man who spent most of his life thinking about others. He always surrounded himself with his friends and family, where he felt most comfortable and loved. 

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his Wife: Eromaris Escobar; Child: Julian Escobar; Sister: Lina Escobar-Ibañez; Grandmother: Olga Valencia; Niece: Briana Ibañez; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to his friends and co-workers for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello.   His funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 28 at 11:00am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Broadway and Liberty Street with Fr. John Sheehan officiating.  Burial will follow at the Rock Ridge Cemetery in Monticello.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello NY; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com