David Weisel

David "Dave" Ross Weisel, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and accomplished engineer, passed away on August 15, 2025 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was 89 years old. Early Life and Education Born on December 24, 1935 in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, Dave was the son of Willis Weisel and Modesta Abbott. He graduated from Hatboro Horsham High School with National Honor Society honors. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, where he served as a Midshipman in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and rose to Battalion Executive Officer. He was inducted into Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Pi Kappa Phi. He later earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. Service to Country Dave's military service began with NROTC training, including time aboard the USS Wisconsin. In June 1958 he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and served at the Bureau of Naval Weapons in Washington, D.C. He was honorably discharged from active duty as a Lieutenant in May 1961 and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until June 1964. Career After the Navy, Dave spent three decades at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, advancing the engines that powered commercial and military fleets around the world. He was the quiet expert who let results speak. His work was strong enough to be published by NASA on JT8D performance retention, a distinction he never mentioned at home. Marriage and Family Dave married Winifred "Winnie" Fair, whom he met at the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. They shared 63 years of marriage filled with loyalty, laughter, and steady partnership. Together they raised three children: Julie Weisel MacCormack, Stephen Weisel, and Daniel Weisel, who predeceased him. His legacy continues through his grandchildren Michael MacCormack, Chelsea MacCormack, Katie Connell, Matt Weisel, Nathaniel Weisel, and Parker Weisel, and his great-grandchildren Alyce Connell and Jack Connell. He is also remembered by his siblings Alan Weisel and Mary Austin, who predeceased him. Passions and Pastimes Dave's curiosity never slowed down. He loved classic cars, especially Austin Healeys and Alfa Romeos, and he kept a special affection for his Ford Model A. He was active in the Ford Model A Club and the Hartford Sports Car Club. He enjoyed restoring vintage automobiles, exploring antique shops, and finding the one part that somehow fit perfectly once he got home. He appreciated photography and music of all kinds, read history and trivia for fun, fished quiet waters, camped under open skies, traveled with a sense of wonder, and relaxed at the beach when the day settled. Faith and Character Though raised Baptist, Dave embraced Catholicism through marriage, a reflection of his love for family unity. Those who knew him remember a steady presence, a dry sense of humor, and a generous teacher who showed rather than told. Measure twice. Do it right. Share what you know. Leave people a little lighter than you found them. Services A military funeral service honoring Dave will be held on October 25 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Berlin, Connecticut, followed by a memorial graveside service at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill. Family and friends will gather to celebrate a life marked by integrity, intellect, service to country and community, and love of family. We will miss his voice and the way a plan seemed to appear when he walked in the room. Every time an old engine catches and settles into a smooth idle, we will think of him and smile.