Albert Martin Gesler

   Albert Martin “Al” Gesler, 78, of Albemarle Plantation, Hertford, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 with his wife of 58 years, Conna Bell Shaw, by his side.

   Al was born in New Haven, CT on November 22, 1937 and was the son of the late Albert Martin, Sr. & Ruth Margaret Gesler.

   As a prior resident of Florham Park, NJ, his passion was his family first and finding ways to support Conna’s love for music and his children’s various activities. Al was always involved with the community and made a difference by serving as a councilman for many terms; was an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University teaching Human Resources; was very active and served as a deacon at Calvary Presbyterian Church and he and Conna helped run a free summer music program at the Gazebo in town. After a 35 year career at Allied Signal-Honeywell, he retired to Hertford, NC in 1997. Retirement for him meant continuing to be active and engaged in his community. For the past 18 years his service has included, but was never limited to, being an active board member for the College of The Albemarle, serving as president of the Albemarle Plantation Homeowner’s Assoc., becoming a Stephen Minister and participating in Emmaus retreats. He also found his tenor voice and began to sing in the choir at church, Albemarle Chorale and was part of the legendary trio called the Blessing Boys.

   Surviving along with his wife are his daughter, Karen Ruth Gesler of Wilmington; his son, Richard Carroll Gesler and his wife Gianine nee Caserta of New Freedom PA; three grandchildren, Brianna, Brandon and Christian; his brothers, Bradford and David Gesler and their families; and his sisters-in-law, Betsy, Lyn, and Lucinda and their families. He was a loving and inspirational husband, father, grandfather and friend to all that were blessed to know him.

   A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Hertford United Methodist Church and will be officiated by his pastor, the Rev. Jane Leechford. Friends may join the family in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

   Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.