Alton, NH----Raymond F. Gessner, 79, a longtime resident of Alton, New Hampshire, died of health complications Friday April 17, 2015 at Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. His loving wife, Judy Gessner was by his side. Born in Boston, he lived in Massachusetts till he moved to New Hampshire 30 years ago.
Mr. Gessner was born on July 12, 1935, the son of Richard and Elizabeth Gessner, and was one of 7 children. As a child, Ray was diagnosed with Polio twice; once at the age of 1 and then again at 10 years old. During his second diagnosis, he spent a year in an iron lung in Lakeville, Massachusetts.
He graduated from Falmouth High School in 1954. He then worked as a Forest Fire Fighter for the State of Massachusetts on Cape Cod. He was also a fireman for Harwich, Massachusetts. Mr. Gessner met his wife, Judith (maiden name: Gustafson) Gessner while living and working on Cape Cod. Ray and Judy were married on May 1, 1976. Mr. Gessner became Gabriel Biderman’s stepfather and had two daughters with Judy: Ruth Gessner and Jennifer Natola.
Ray and Judy moved to Alton, New Hampshire shortly after their second daughter was born so they could live a more peaceful life. Mr. Gessner was a longtime volunteer with the American Red Cross. Ray was the Disaster Chairman for the Greater White Mountain Red Cross for many years. He was called all over the state to assist with disasters, fires and lost hikers. He also traveled to Florida and Texas to help with Hurricane disaster relief.
Ray spent 7 summers volunteering and enjoying Camp Calumet Lutheran in Ossipee, New Hampshire. He was a role model to the children and staff alike.
Ray had a passion for helping those less fortunate them him. Ray could often be heard telling many jokes or stories. He was always eager to make others laugh. He said, if he could make someone smile, then he knew he had made a difference, and that made him happy. He also had a great love for the Red Sox, marching bands, and donuts. The Red Sox winning the 2004 World Series was a very memorable time for him and his family. He was a very loving and caring husband, a proud father and a devoted grandfather. He could always be found on the sidelines of his family’s many sporting events either as a coach or spectator. Ray and Judy would enjoy taking trips together; either to the mountains or the ocean, if there was a donut shop to be found, he knew where it was.
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 39 years, Judith (Gustafson) Gessner; three children, Gabriel Biderman of Brooklyn, NY, Ruth Gessner of Dover, NH, and Jennifer Natola of Nottingham, NH; three grandchildren, Gustave & Duncan Levey and Connor Gessner all of Dover, NH; one brother, Russell Gessner of Yarmouth, MA. along many nieces and nephews all over the country.
Calling hours will be on Thursday April 23, 2015 from 5 – 7pm at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, New Hampshire.
The funeral will be will be held at 3pm on Friday April 24, 2015 at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 22 Fox Run Road Newington, New Hampshire. Refreshments will be provided following the service at the church.
His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Fire Department or the American Red Cross.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.