FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BOSTON COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
John Frederick Wissler, 85, of Londonderry, NH (formerly of Medfield, MA) died in his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, March 5, 2021. He was born in Floral Park, New York on November 6, 1935, the son of the late Harry and Florence (Dunham) Wissler.
John graduated in 1953 from Brooklyn Preparatory High School, in Brooklyn, NY, he then went on to Boston College where he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1957 and an MBA in 1972 becoming a Double Eagle.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeanne (MacDonald) Wissler of Londonderry. Their love story began in 1953 at a mixer dance at Boston College Alumni Hall and was highlighted by a strong faith, a love of family, a desire to travel and Boxers. They were married in 1957 at St. Ignatius Church, Chestnut Hill, MA and began their life together by honeymooning at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where John was an officer in a transportation company. They both agreed it was the best way for a young couple to start their life together.
John started his career at 3M in New York selling scotch tape. In 1967 while attending his 10th reunion from Boston College, he learned about and applied for the position of Executive Director of the Alumni Association. He was successful in turning his avocation into his life’s work in the position that he held for 31 years until his retirement in June, 1998.
John’s career was highlighted by his professional expertise offered to countless individuals who had sought his advice on issues regarding programs, strategic planning, and alumni governance. He earned his Certified Association of Executive credentials from the American Society of Association Executives and received several Awards and Recognition.
In addition to his own success in that role, John was equally accomplished and respected as a teacher, coach and mentor of the staff members who served with him at the association over the years. Many of those individuals continue to this day to work in education, human services and other non-profits thanks to the training and skills they acquired under John 's tutelage. Additionally, there are many Boston College Alumni who are grateful for John’s belief in their ability to be successful students.
John is also survived by his daughter, Anne Merrow and husband Charles of Albany, NH and his son Thomas Wissler and his wife Sandie of Marlborough, three grandchildren, Daniel Merrow and wife Katie, Jennifer Rousseau and husband Charles, and Tyler Wissler, as well as one great grandson, Camden Rousseau. He was predeceased by his son John Francis Wissler and sister, Valerie Bartolacci.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 from 3pm – 6pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry. Due to State of NH guidelines, all guests are required to wear masks, minimize contact and maintain social distancing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 10:00am at St. Ignatius of Loyola, 28 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA and will be live streamed. Seating will be limited. Burial with military honors will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 10am at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pine St Inn, Boston, MA at www.pinestreetinn.org or New York Foundling Hospital, New York City, https://www.nyfoundling.org
For streaming, please click here: https://youtu.be/Z9XSZ_Y_0HU