John David Messersmith

John David Messersmith, husband of Loretta Marie (Kocsis) Messersmith passed away on July 2nd, 2024. He was born in Marathon, NY on October 19, 1927. A graduate of Marathon Central High School, he enrolled in New York State Maritime Academy and graduated as a Marine Engineer in 1948 with a U.S. Coast Guard License and a commission in the U.S. Navy. He sailed for five years with U.S. and Grace Lines in various positions up to First Assistant Engineer.

Married in 1953, Loretta and he spent two years of active duty in the Navy as Repair Officer in the amphibious forces. He retired from the Naval Reserve after 22 years of service. Subsequent to active duty he joined General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division in Groton, Connecticut where he worked in various supervisory engineering positions for 37 years, ending with work on the Trident submarines.

John retired from Electric Boat in 1992 and spent his remaining years in Old Saybrook where he and Loretta have lived since 1959. Loretta and John had five children born all over the country; New York, Virginia, Connecticut, and California; David of Somerville, MA, Deborah of Charlton, MA, Robbin of Westerly, RI, Laura of York, ME and Karen who predeceased.

The family chooses to have a private graveside memorial in the near future.