Gerald Lessmann

GERALD G. LESSMANN

Gerald Lessmann, age 85, of Pleasant Hills in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died peacefully with his son and grandson by his side on Sunday, April 8, 2018.  He was born on August 17, 1932 in the Wilkinsburg section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania one of two children of Anna (Kappmeier) and PG Lessmann.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Sue (Whitney) Lessmann on May 19, 2016 and his sister, Doris Poore.  He is survived by his three children, Hans “Fred” (Amy) Lessmann, Virginia “Ginny” (John) Stonick and Jean Crane and eight grandchildren, Nicole (Sam) Rogers, Jessica and Karl Lessmann, Karyssa and Zachary Stonick and Christopher, David and Patrick Crane.

He was an accomplished Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineer, working for Westinghouse at the Research and Development facility in Churchill for most of his career.  He was a Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the American Welding Society and a long-time member of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder and a Stephen Minister. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping, canoeing, sailing, backpacking, bicycling and fishing (especially fly fishing with his son and grandsons).  To share his love of these activities, he was a member of and a leader to many organizations such as the Sylvan Canoe Club in Verona, PA, including serving as Commodore, a Boy Scout Troop in Pleasant Hills, including being Scout Master for a time, and the Pittsburgh Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Gerald, treasured time with his family, playing cards and visiting.  With his many varied interests, he shared his joy and passion with family and friends with humility, grace and humor.  He was a gentleman to all who knew him and a blessing to his family and friends.  Although we will miss him, he had a profound impact on our lives and was a great example for his children and grandchildren.

A reception of friends will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM in the Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home, 1701 Route 51 (Large) in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania 15025 (412-384-0350).  His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 10 AM in the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church 199 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15236.           www.pleasanthillschurch.com.

Donations in Gerald’s memory may be sent to Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church.