Philip Gisser

Philip Gisser, 98, died on November 10, 2023, in New York City. Phil excelled in five distinct careers: as a chemical engineer, business executive, management consultant, writer, and teacher. A leader and mentor to many, it was in old age that Phil came into his prime, prompting one who knew Phil to call him “the bravest man I ever knew.”

During the “Mad Men” era, Phil served as a partner of advertising firm Warner, Bicking & Fenwick, and Director of Marketing Services at U.S. Industrial Chemicals Corporation. His book, Launching the New Industrial Product, was published in 1972 and translated into several languages. In the 1960’s, Phil led as president of the Association of Industrial Advertisers (now the Business Professional Advertising Association). His early working years as a chemical engineer were spent at the legendary General Electric plant in Pittsfield, MA.

Phil leveraged his developing expertise in cutting edge technologies as a Senior Director at Booz Allen & Hamilton (now called Strategy&, part of the PwC network), where he advised clients around the world on such esoteric markets as those for supercomputers and laser weapons being repurposed for civilian use. After retiring from Booz Allen in 1991, Phil continued to consult via his own firm, Gisser & Associates. Phil was also a board member of Cecilia Health, a leading remote advisor to patients with chronic care needs such as those with diabetes.

With his wife, Norma Jean Gisser (nee Parcell), Phil owned and operated a real estate development firm in the 1980’s and 90’s called Coastline Properties in Southern New Jersey. The company, which bought and refurbished apartment buildings in Ventnor and Margate, NJ and turned them into rentals, helped to fill the burgeoning need for housing for young casino employees as the new industry was developing in Atlantic City.

Phil’s contributions to the arts came through his support for a musical family. His wife, Jean, was a professional musician, which included her membership in Frank Sinatra’s orchestra for over 15 years. His children also shared a musical education in a household where a range of instruments was always in use.

Phil continued to work as a business consultant until age 97 and was active until his final days. In addition, for many years he enjoyed the company of a group of like-minded intellectuals via a peer-to-peer elder-learning group offered by the City College of New York, called the Quest Lifelong Learning Community. As a board member and participant, Phil presented programs on subjects as far afield as science, entertainment, and a memorable presentation on China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Phil’s life centered on the New York metropolitan area. After growing up and graduating from High School in Albany, New York, he and his wife raised their children in Scarsdale, New York. The Gissers owned homes in Margate, Short Hills and South Orange, New Jersey, with residences in the state for more than 50 years.

After his wife died in 2011, Phil moved into Manhattan.

Phil Gisser graduated in 1946 from Cornell University with a B.S. in chemical engineering. Although limited by pronounced myopia, in college Phil participated in ROTC as a member of the last remaining unit of mounted cavalry training for the Army.

A Celebration of Life will be held in New York City. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Phil’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Phil leaves son Michael Gisser, daughter Marsha Shyer, son-in-law John Shyer, and grandchildren Spencer and David Gisser, and Allison and Michael Shyer.