Eric Eugene Gessner

NAUGATUCK- Eric Eugene Gessner, 58, passed away Wednesday February 15, 2017 at Yale New Haven Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Deborah (Cummings) Gessner. Eric and Deb had celebrated over 28 years of marriage together, but have known each other since 2nd grade; they were friends throughout their school years and even shared a locker in high school, but it was not until their 10th year high school reunion at which their love blossomed into the start of their lives together.

Eric was born November 18, 1958 in Boston, MA, the son of the late Eugene and Geraldine (Barton) Gessner. He was a graduate of Masuk High School in Monroe, he enrolled in Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, from which he received his Bachelor of Science degree. From there his love of knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Science degree from Albertus Magnus College.

After serving his country via the United States Navy, aboard the carrier U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Eric became a trusted Sikorsky Aircraft employee, spanning 30 years, beginning as an Airframe Assembler. He had worked his way through the company, and at the time of his passing he was a Technical Instructor at Sikorsky. The relationship he had formed with many of his coworkers and students left a monumental mark on his life and the lives of others. He had been a mentor to many at the job he loved, which affectionately earned him the nickname, "The Professor”. In his downtime, Eric loved games of strategy, his favorite being that of Chess and puzzles. He could be found talking and teaching his knowledge of both of these, while he played with his children and grandchildren.

Besides his wife he is survived by his five children: Deanna Waters and her husband Nelson IV of Winsted, Johnathon Werner and his wife Kristen of Newtown, JacLynn Santoro her husband John Santoro Jr. of Naugatuck, Michal Gessner and his wife Shayla of Naugatuck, and Brianna Gessner of Naugatuck; his sister Christine Gessner Kennedy and her husband George F. Jr. of Damascus, PA, and her daughters Stacy and Katie; and eight grandchildren Devon, Mariah, Nicholas, CJ, Austin, Robert, Annabelle, and Joseph.

Arrangements- Calling hours for Mr. Gessner will be held from 2 to 5 P.M, Saturday, February 25, 2017 at The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home at 201 Meadow Street, Naugatuck 06770. Military Honors will be conducted at 5 P.M to conclude calling hours. The family will bid a private farewell in accordance with his wishes. Donations in his name may be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital, Office of Development, Yale New Haven Hospital, P.O Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979.