Edward H. Gessner of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Fort Washington

Edward H. Gessner of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Fort Washington, Pa. passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 16, 2012 at his home in Florida. He was 92.

He was the husband of Mildred H. for 29 years and was predeceased by his first wife, Mildred A. (nee Link), after 35 years of marriage.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Edward was the son of Jennie and Leonard Gessner. He was a graduate of Central High School and a 1951 graduate of University of Pennsylvania Wharton School’s Accounts and Finance Program. Edward served 4 years in the US Air Force in World War IIin India, specifically the China Burma India theatre.

An entrepreneur even as a child, Ed had many businesses as a young boy including selling guppies and operating a flavored snow shaving business out of his wagon. Ed and his brother, William Gessner, owned several businesses before founding Gessner Products Company, Inc., a plastic molding plant in Ambler in the 1950’s. Several years later Ed became the sole owner. Gessner Products Company, Inc. developed and produces a line of products such as ashtrays, coasters, housewares and restaurant supplies that are sold nationally and internationally. He turned the business over to his family in 2009. Prior to founding Gessner Products Company, Inc. Ed worked for John Middleton Co. as the Advertising/Sales Director for 10 years.

Ed served on many local boards such as the YMCA, Provident Bank and Whitemarsh Township and was a member of Ambler Rotary for over 50 years, acting as President in 1963.

Ed loved life and lived it to the fullest. He truly enjoyed people and took a special interest in them, often serving as a mentor in either personal or business affairs. He had a passion for boating and captained his own yacht, traveling to many ports near and far throughout the years. He also enjoyed golf and was an active member of Manufacturers’ Golf and Country Club and Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club in Boca Raton, FL. Ed had a special charisma and a twinkle in his unforgettable blue eyes; those who met him always remembered him. He was a loyal friend, devoted husband and a wonderful father.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by 4 daughters: Suzanne Ries and her husband Geoffrey of Spring House, Carol White and her husband, David of Spring House, Nancy Gessner of King of Prussia, and Lisa Turner and her husband Jeffrey of Doylestown; 2 stepdaughters, Deborah Brandon of Denver and Lynn Campbell and her husband Chip of Toledo; 12 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday July 27, 10:30am at Christ’s Lutheran Church, 700 Pennsylvania Ave., Oreland, with visitation beginning at 9:30. Interment at Whitemarsh Memorial Park will follow the service. Visitation will also be held at Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home, 145 Tennis Avenue, Ambler, PAon Thursday evening, July 26 from 6:30-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 163549, Columbus, OH 43216-3549 or the Center School Scholarship Fund, 2450 Hamilton Avenue, Abington, PA 19001.

Memorial messages to the family may be left at Shaeff-Myers.com.

Arrangements by Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home.