David Lionel Werner

1925 - 2013

David Lionel Werner, 88 of Portland, CT, died Monday May 6, 2013. The son of the late Rev. Oscar V. Werner and Margaret C. Haupt Werner, he was born in Ranchi, India, and raised in New Britain, CT. He served in the U.S. Navy and later as a Captain in the Air Force Reserves. On November 10, 1946, he married Gladys Elizabeth Robertson. He earned BS and MA degrees from Trinity College and taught math and chemistry for four years at Portland High School. He was forever proud that the students dedicated the 1957 yearbook to him. In 1985, he retired from the Connecticut State Highway Lab in Rocky Hill, where he worked for many years as a chemist. Dave was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. He liked gardening, hiking, camping and canoeing, and he loved making a joyful noise with his music. He played trombone and many other instruments, and he could coax a tune from bottles, spoons, glasses, and almost anything else. In later years he acquired an extensive collection of chromatic harmonicas in different keys, and he enjoyed entertaining around the area with various musical groups. Despite his lengthy battle with Parkinson's, he remained cheerful and kind to the end.
Dave is survived by his former wife, Gladys Werner, his son, Paul (Christine) Werner of Boise, ID, his son, Carl Werner of Cromwell, CT, his daughter, Ruth (James) Hubert of Franklin, MA, his sister, Beatrice Jensen of Seattle, WA, his granddaughters, Emily (Eric) Hahn and Jennifer Hubert and his step-grandson, Donald (Jill) Jones and his children, Connor and Ethan Jones. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, John Werner, his sister, Louise Hintz, his infant son, Robert Werner and his daughter-in-law, Harriett Jones Werner. The family is grateful to the devoted staffs of Middlesex Hospice and Palliative Care, Assisted Living Services and especially Greystone Retirement Home for their many kindnesses and expert care.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 1PM at Zion Lutheran Church, 183 Williams Street, Portland with Rev. James Reemts officiating. Burial will be in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday from 12PM until the service at church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 183 Williams Street, Portland, CT. 06480. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net.