Anatol Shayer

East Lyme — Anatol “Al” Shayer, 80, of East Lyme, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, after a long battle with prostate cancer.

He was born in Kiev, Ukraine, to the late Alexander and Galina Shayer, on Oct. 26, 1937. His grandson is now serving a Peace Corps assignment in Ukraine, not far from where Al and his family were from.

Al emigrated to the United States in 1949 with family that survived World War II. He attended Brooklyn Tech and graduated from NYU with a degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career with Worthington Pumps in New Jersey and worked for Electric Boat for the subsequent 26 years.

Al was curious and was an avid student of photography, history, nature and the world. He was a tinkerer and kept busy with new hobbies. He and his wife, Barbara, traveled the world in pursuit of their interests and adventure.

Al was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, of 55 years in 2016; and is survived by his sister, Natalie Fisher; and his son, Andy and daughter-in-law, Gerri; grandsons, Alexander and Patrick; daughter, Suzanne and her partner, Jenn. He also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends (and some unfinished projects!)

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for him during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

Al requested to be cremated and for the family to host a celebration of his life which will be held in the spring of 2019.