Harold "Harry" Gustafson, Jr.

In Loving Memory of Harold T. Gustafson, Jr.
November 4, 1952 – September 13, 2025

On September 13, 2025, our beloved husband, father, “Granddad” and friend to many,
Harold “Harry” Gustafson, Jr., passed away much too soon and unexpectedly at
Lawrence and Memorial Hospital at the age of 72. Though our hearts ache with his loss,
we celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the love he gave so generously.
Harry was born on November 4, 1952 in New London, CT to Janet and Harold
Gustafson, Sr.

He grew up in Quaker Hill, CT, where his curiosity, determination, and
deep love of the ocean first took root. Sailing became one of his lifelong passions –
whether by charting a course across the Long Island Sound or simply tinkering with his
sailboats, “Reflection” and “Westwind,” he found peace and joy in the wind and waves –
and sharing his joy with others. Other interests included cooking (his famous potato
salad recipe will be passed down for generations), decorating for various holidays,
watching the New York Giants football team play, indulging in some cookies (though he
would adamantly deny his cookie-thieving ways…), ballroom dancing (Harry could really
move!), and maintaining a pristine yard and pool for his family to enjoy

.
A graduate of Norwich Technical High School, he built an impressive career as a
talented sheet metal fabricator. He spent his days as an expert press brake operator at
Crown Manufacturing and later in his career, Seconn Fabrication. Those who saw the
products of his skill and meticulous attention to detail no doubt benefited from the
incredibly high standards he held for himself and his work. He retired in 2019 after 47
years of quality craftsmanship.
Beyond his work, his happiest hours were spent with family. He married his best friend
and life partner, Stephanie (Doll) Gustafson, on October 16, 1999, and together they
shared a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure – whether sailing on Harry’s boats,
dancing the night away, finding strength in each other through countless challenges, or
vacationing on cruises.

Harry especially cherished time with his grandkids, who absolutely adored him. Whether
including them in yardwork, teaching them how to use tools, spotting the biggest and
coolest trucks (including his own), riding bikes, picking dandelions (“fuzzies”), splashing
in the pool, building snowmen, making crafts, going out for weekly trips to Dunkin’
Donuts or cheering from the sidelines at their games or performances, he was endlessly
patient, playful and proud.   

Harry devoted his kind, gentle heart to his grandkids and his five children; he was never
too busy to lend an understanding ear, offer a warm hug, or help them navigate the
rocky seas of life’s ups and downs. He was their rudder; strong, steady, and endlessly
guiding. His unconditional acceptance and love soothed wounds, nurtured success, and
helped each of his kids grow into remarkable, loving adults who are committed to paying
his legacy of kindness forward.

Always a man who kept his hands busy, Harry was rarely without a project. From his
teenage “gearhead” days of working on cars and engines with friends, to fixing things
around the house and building creative solutions, installing landscaping or decorating
across the seasons, or dreaming of his next trip with Stephanie, he poured his
boundless energy into everything he did. To his friends and community, Harry was known as loyal, hardworking, and quick to lend a hand. He never hesitated to show up for others or share a laugh. His sense of
humor, integrity and steady presence made him truly unforgettable.

He leaves behind his wife, Stephanie of Waterford, CT; daughter Hope Persi and her
husband Chuck of Waterford, CT; son Eric Gustafson and his wife Rosanna of
Wethersfield, CT; son Brett Gustafson and his wife Lauren of Queen Creek, AZ;
daughter Abbie Calvert and her husband Craig of Waterford, CT and daughter Courtney
Brown and her husband Peter of Portland, CT. His legacy also lives on in his seven
beautiful grandchildren: Chloe, Emma, Aidan, Molly, Mabel, Orson and Tyler. He is also
survived by his sisters Barbara Bowling of Osprey, FL; Susan Smith of Midlothian, VA;
and Debra Hall of Vernon, CT. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet, and
father, Harold, Sr., as well as his mother-in-law, Marilyn Doll, and father-in-law, Leonard
Doll.

His family asks that everyone who knew and loved Harry carry his spirit forward by
committing acts of gentle kindness for others, remembering to laugh, and always
looking towards the ocean – knowing that through him, we have the strength to sail on
and navigate this challenging but beautiful course of life together…in his memory.
Calling hours will be held on September 30 from 4:00-6:00pm at Byles-MacDougall
Funeral Service, 99 Huntington Street, New London, CT. All who love Harry and his
family are welcome to attend. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Harry can be made to either New
England Science and Sailing [nessf.org/support-ness/donate/] or The National Kidney
Foundation [www.kidney.org]. Harry would want to give others the opportunity to experience his love of the ocean and sailing, and support scientific research and resources for those experiencing pediatric kidney disease.
Though he is gone from our sight and our arms, Harry’s legacy lives on in the lessons
he taught, the kindness he showed others, and the family he loved. His life was full and
well-lived, and he will be so deeply missed.