Philip Hollenbeck Gesner, 86, of Westport Island, died Aug. 17 at his residence. He was born in West Haven, Conn. on Nov. 25, 1927, a son of Robert L. and Mildred (Hollenbeck) Gesner. In 1945 he graduated from West Haven High School. He entered the U.S. Navy serving in WWII in Japan. On June 21, 1947 he married Marilyn R. Lawson. He was employed with his dad at Gesner Garage until 1955. He was employed at Southern New England Telephone Company retiring in 1988 as an engineer.
He was a member of the Masons in Wiscasset and an active member of the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset serving as a deacon, a greeter and a member of the choir.
He enjoyed working with his hands, antique cars, golfing, and bowling.
On May 25, 2010 he was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Daddone.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn R. Gesner of Westport Island; son, Philip “Scott” Gesner and wife Colleen of Southington, Conn.; daughter, Pamela Ignatovich and husband Hayward of West Haven, Conn.; son-in-law, John Daddone of Watertown, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sun., Sept. 14 at the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset. A service will be held in West Haven, Conn. at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org; the American Red Cross, 16 Community Way, Topsham, ME 04086, www.redcross.org; or American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 30, Topsham, ME 04086.
Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High St., Bath.
