Jack Gesser

GESSER

Jack T. born 4/10/1920 passed peacefully 3/12/2011 in Clearwater, Florida. Originally from Bellevue mother Bessie Brooks and father Anthony Gesser built Tacoma Park Swimming Pool, which Jack help manage for many years. Married 48 years to beloved Doris Ann Lindsey Gesser who passed in 1989. Jack was plucked from family and hometown life in Dayton and Bellevue Kentucky to become a true unsung American hero. Drafted into the Army and quickly excelled in gunnery school to become an Army Tech. Sgt. and tail gunner with the famous Mighty Eighth Air Force on a Flying Fortress affectionately nicknamed "Ohio Air Force" in the 385th Bomb Group, 549th Bomb Squadron, stationed at Great Ashfield England. Jack and his 10 crew mates flew their sturdy B~17 aircraft with the same American pride that built her. All their great sacrifice, dedication and courage was definitely apparent during the height of WWII, because their B~17 still holds the all time record for air combat victories by a single aircraft on a single mission. On a raid over Munster one day they destroyed 12 Nazi fighters. Tail gunner Jack was personally credited with 3. Jack flew 25 combat missions protecting England and her allies during active wartime. Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters. After serving in WWII from Sept. 1942 to May 1945, Jack returned home to the greater Cincinnati area to his family. He was a dedicated Freemason and became the longest Standing High Priest of the York Rite Temple Chapter #172 in Newport, KY as well as keeping 50 years active membership for the Henry Barnes Lodge, Grand Lodge of Kentucky F. & A.M. #607, and Jeffries Council #33 Dayton, KY. He was active at Trinity Lutheran and Prince of Peace Lutheran Churches. He worked at National Distillers in Cincinnati for 20 years. Jack moved his family to Florida in 1968 after the death of his first daughter, Bonnie Jean Gesser. He retired after working another 20 years in Florida for G.T.E. Jack's infectious, sunny disposition was well loved by everyone who knew him. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He will be missed deeply. He is survived by four children, three grandchildren and one great grandchild; daughter Connie Gesser Phillips, son Michael Gesser, daughters Karen Gesser and Melissa Gesser, grand children; Nathaniel Phillips, Katherine Phillips and Matthew Phillips, great grandson Edward Lane. A grave side service with military honors will be held Tuesday March 29th 1 pm at the Floral Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, 5336 Old Taylor Mill Road, Covington in the Masonic Garden. A gathering at Floral Hills Funeral Home from 11:30 to 12:30 prior to service for family and friends to reminisce. Charitable donations can be made in Jack's honor to: Hardlife Herald, 385th Bombardment Group. Treasurer Chuck Smith, P.O. Box 329, Alpharetta, GA. 30009 (404) 683-2896