Michael J. Gessner

Michael J. Gessner Dec. 1, 1915 - Nov. 23, 2010 Resident of San Leandro Michael J. Gessner, 56-year resident of San Leandro, CA, almost age 95, passed on Tues., Nov. 23, 2010. He was born in Newark, Del., Dec.1, 1915, but was raised in Homestead, PA with six sisters. He was most proud that he enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served 22+ years, retiring as CPO. He was stationed aboard The USS Colorado when they searched for Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan in 1937. Mickey remembered cruises in the Caribbean Sea, when it was too warm to sleep below decks. He and the other sailors slept on the open decks to enjoy the cool sea breezes, "one of the most peaceful moments of my lifegazing at the millions of stars and the only sound, the ripple of the sea against the ship." He worked as a civilian at NARF, NAS Alameda, CA, retiring at age 57. He enjoyed his retirement for 37+ years. Pre-deceased by wife Nina in 1969 and wife Marty (Martha) in 1987. Survived by former daughter-in-law Barbara Gessner (Fremont, CA), grandsons Mike Gessner (Bessie), great-grandsons Ryan and Brandon (Arlington, VA), and Pat Gessner (Kelli) (of Manteca, CA), and great-grandchildren Angelika, Kai, Kimo, and Nikko. Survived by his sister Mary Moritz of PA, many other relatives back East, many friends, close neighbors. Many thanks to caregiver Nancy Sewell. He will be remembered as thoughtful, kind, generous, with a great sense of humor and stubbornness too. No services at his request. Keep the memories of him alive in your hearts.