Hartford, Connecticut
John Robert MacKesson, 85, died October 13 after a valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease. He reluctantly leaves his wife of 63 years, Janice Stremlau MacKesson. Growing up in West Hartford, he graduated from Hall High and Trinity College, then entered the insurance industry, completing 35 years with Aetna Casualty & Surety. He was a member of the Connecticut National Guard, the regular Air Force, and the Army National Guard. Registered with the Boy Scouts for over 60 years, he actively volunteered in many positions, including scoutmaster and commissioner.
He will be sorely missed by his dear wife, whom he first dated when he was 16, his wonderful children, Karla MacKesson, of NYC, Kenneth MacKesson, of St Louis, MO, Leslie & John Albee, of Brewster, MA, and Lynn MacKesson, of Newport, RI; and his grandchildren, Charles Clinton, Julia MacKesson, and Jonathan MacKesson.
A memorial service will be held in the Adams room at Avery Heights, 705 New Britain Ave, Hartford, at 2PM on Saturday, 18 October. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 60 Darlin St, East Hartford, CT, 06108. To share a memory please visit www.dillonbaxer.com
A fine person -from an equally fine family - and a friend and patient for many years in my office in Wethersfield.
I know the ravages of Parkinson's Disease, since my wife, who passed away earlier this year, suffered with it for some 28 years.
Sincerest condolences to Janice and her children.
Dr. Jay Edwards
October 25, 2014 | Vero Beach, FL
Dear Karla,
We are sad to learn of the passing of your father. We know how you faithfully and devotedly cared for him for so many years. Your presence and support was surely most meaningful to him, your mother and your other family members. Sincerest condolences to you and your family,
Mary and Garry Morton
October 21, 2014
I worked with John for many years at the Hartford office of Aetna. I have fond memories of John, sitting at his desk, smoking his pipe ( we could smoke in the office back then!). He attended one of our last Aetna reunions several years ago and it was nice to see him again.
My prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. John will be missed.
Alice Sherman
October 19, 2014 | West Hartford, CT
So very sorry for your loss, thinking of you all.
Kathleen Whittenberger
October 18, 2014 | Billings, MT
Jan, Karla, Ken, Leslie, and Lynn -
My sister Michele, father Jerry, and I send along our deepest condolences on the passing of your dad & husband. He was a wonderful man.
I have so many great memories of him visiting BSA Troop 85 meetings, working with scouts to teach us skills at meetings and campouts, judging events at rallies and camporees, and presenting awards (including several of my Eagle Palms) at courts of honors. Ken, thank you for following in your dad's...
Jeff Berg
October 17, 2014 | Scottsdale, AZ
I was 17 when I first met John MacKesson. His daughter, Karla, and I were freshman at Smith. I was from Florida and my dad couldn't come up for Father's Weekend. John very kindly took me out for the day with them. I went for my first New England hike! Over the years, I visited the family many times in Wethersfield and John was thrilled when he discovered that I, as a Floridian, had never shoveled snow before. He "let" me shovel the driveway! I will never forget his kindness to a young...
Lisa Lake
October 17, 2014 | Alpharetta, GA
Sending lots of love and hugs to all of you! John was such a special person to my whole family. xoxo
Corey Deloy
October 16, 2014
Dear Lynn: I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies for both you and your family.
Annie Ritterbusch
October 16, 2014
To The MacKesson family,
So sorry for the loss of your Husband, Dad and Grandfather, My Prayers are with you at this difficult time.
October 16, 2014
