Barton Hamilton Hessler

Barton Hamilton Hessler, 92, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 4, 1934, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family above all.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jacqueline Hessler; their three children, Kurt, Keith, and Kim, and their spouses, PeggySue, Paula, and Michael; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey, Cameron, Tyler, Brendon, Jaclyn, Macenzie, and Griffin; and two great-grandchildren, Penelope and Sawyer.

Bart graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia and earned a B.S. in metallurgical engineering from Drexel University on a full scholarship. He and Jacqueline met in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, and married in November 1957 before settling in Connecticut to raise their family. A longtime employee of Textron Lycoming for more than 35 years, he was known for his technical expertise and commitment to excellence. In his free time, he restored antique Ford Model A cars, collected antique clocks, tended vegetable gardens, and remained an avid reader with a lifelong curiosity for learning.

Bart found deep fulfillment in his faith and community. He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Church in Huntington, Connecticut, and St. James Episcopal Church in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and participated in community service through Civitan International while maintaining membership in the American Society for Metals. He especially treasured family gatherings at the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey, and later at the lake in New Hampshire.