John Peter Gsell
With profound sadness, the family of John Peter Gsell announces his peaceful departure from this world on February 11, 2024, in New Milford, Connecticut. Born on June 26, 1935, in the Unionport section of the Bronx, NYC, he lived a life marked by integrity, devotion to family, and service to his community. At the venerable age of 88, John left a legacy of enduring values and accomplishments.
A graduate of James Monroe High School in 1953 and New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1957, John launched a career of commitment and innovation that began at Sperry Gyroscope and culminated in a distinguished tenure at United Technologies’ Norden Systems.
John honorably served his nation with distinction as a member of the United States Army Reserve’s prestigious Company A 77th Signal Battalion, and upon fulfillment of duty there, he rose to the rank of Company Commander and later Assistant Division Signal Officer within the esteemed ranks of the 242nd Signal Battalion of the New York Army Reserves National Guard.
Throughout his earthly pilgrimage, John was anchored in Christian faith, actively engaging in many congregations, imparting wisdom as a Sunday School teacher, lending his talents in audiovisual technology, and upholding the sacred trust of Warden at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
John forged a tapestry of life imbued with hobbies like boating, gardening, and woodworking and was ever ready to extend his hand in volunteerism. His charitable work with the Power Squadron of Norwalk, Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations reflected his inner drive to contribute to the betterment of society.
A beloved patriarch, John is mourned by his cherished wife, Sara Jane Gsell; his dear brother, Stephen George Gsell (Virginia) and family; his loving children, Cynthia Ann Bahr (David), Mary Elizabeth
Heydt, Alicia Mary Jacobsen (Kevin), Jennifer Jane Gsell, Bruce Thornton (Cindy), and Amanda Jane Bessette (George); along with his treasured grandchildren and great-grandchild; and a host of kin and friends. Predeceasing John was his father, John Peter Gsell; his mother, Elizabeth Lillian Zahringer; his first wife, Cynthia Pearl Lutkus; and his precious grandchild, Amelia Thornton.
The Gsell family shall gather to commemorate John’s memory with a service on Saturday, the 9th of March, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, located at 247 New Milford Turnpike, New Preston, Marble Dale, Connecticut. The interment will be private.
In lieu of customary remembrances, those wishing to honor John’s memory may contribute to either Rebuilding Together Litchfield County Chapter, P.O. Box 544 Bantam, CT 06750, or Shriners Children’s, Shriners Children’s Boston, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114. Respects and remembrances may also be made online.
The family expresses deep gratitude to Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in New Milford, Connecticut, for their dignified care and support during John’s final stage of life. Their gratitude is extended to Lillis Funeral Home for their thoughtful assistance during this somber time. John Peter Gsell’s grace and presence shall be profoundly missed, yet his spirit lives on through the love he imparted and the lives he touched. He wishes to say, “It Is Well with My Soul” and Adieux.