Francis Xavier Gesel

Francis Xavier Gesel Sr., 87, of Chester died December 22, 2009 at Catholic Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born in Buffalo, NY on October 28, 1922 to Jerome G. and Rose (Peters) Gesel. He lived in Chester most of his life.

He entered the US Army in 1942 and took part in the battles of Central Europe and the Rhineland. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery, the Purple Heart, the Middle Eastern Service Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

He was a graduate of Canisius College and Niagara University in New York State.

Prior to retirement Francis and his wife Mary owned and operated Spolletts General Store in Chester for over 20 years. He also founded the Chester Hardware & Garden Supply Store.

He was a life member of the National Rifle Association and an avid hunter who loved the outdoors.

He was a communicant of St. Paul's Church in Candia and a former member of the Chester School Board.

The family includes his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary (Basset) Gesel of Chester; six daughters, Mary Gesel Cmejla of Manchester, Deanna Bradley of Hooksett, Therese Gesel Towne of Bedford, Catherine Gesel Gagne of Phoenix, AZ; Joan Abrams of Cambridge MA and Justine Gesel Ouwerkerk of Chester; five sons, Francis Gesel Jr. of Leominster, MA, Martin Gesel of Missoula, MT, Jason Gesel of Drummond, MT, Jude Gesel of Lancaster and Jerome Gesel of Chester; a sister, Mary Wetzel of Bowmansville NY; 48 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

IN HIS LIFE: He was predeceased by three children, Jeanine Gesel in 1965, Michael Gesel in 1978, Rosemary Hatch in 2003 and a great-grandson, Francis Rawnsley in 2008.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St Paul's Church in Candia on Monday, December 28, 2009. Burial with military honors took place on Saturday, April 24, 2010 in the North Chester Cemetery, Smith Road, in Chester NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Monastery of the Precious Blood, 700 Bridge Street, Manchester, NH 03104.