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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Oct. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John MacKesson

Sponsored by the family.

13 Entries

Dr. Jay Edwards

October 25, 2014

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.

October 21, 2014

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

Alice Sherman

October 19, 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.

Kathleen Whittenberger

October 18, 2014

So very sorry for your loss, thinking of you all.

Jeff Berg

October 17, 2014

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 footsteps to do so many of these same things for Boy Scouts and Jan for doing the same for many, many Girl Scouts. John certainly impacted the lives of hundreds (if not thousands) of Scouts in the Charter Oak, Long Rivers, and Connecticut Rivers Councils over the years and we are all much better off for having had the opportunity to spend time with him.

May you all find comfort in the impact that he had on others during his lifetime in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

Jeff Berg
10040 E. Happy Valley Rd, Unit 1043
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Lisa Lake

October 17, 2014

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 person who was so far from her own family. The MacKessons were a second family to me and I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for their loss.

Corey Deloy

October 16, 2014

Sending lots of love and hugs to all of you! John was such a special person to my whole family. xoxo

Annie Ritterbusch

October 16, 2014

Dear Lynn: I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies for both you and your family.

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.

Angela (Donofrio) Bedore

October 16, 2014

Mr. Mackesson, you were my first boss back in 1973 when you hired me at the age of 18. That started my career in the Commercial Lines Insurance industry which I am still involved with for the last 41 years. I still have to call you "Mr. Mackesson" out of respect as you were my supervisor for many years. I learned so much from you and always enjoyed working for you. I stayed with the Aetna for 22 years until the Travelers merger and have moved on in other capacities in the Commercial Lines Industry. Thank you for your many years of Service in the military and with the Boy Scouts of America. My prayers and condolences to your loving family. May God wrap his loving arms around them during this time of loss. Rest in Peace Mr. Mackesson.....

Elsie Adajian

October 16, 2014

Dear Jan:

So sorry to read of John's passing.

I will never forget the many wonderful years we shared .

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Elsie Adajian.

Elsie Adajian

Janet Conary

October 16, 2014

So sorry for your loss Lynn and family.

Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home - Wethersfield

October 16, 2014

Our sincere sympathies for your loss.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results