SPRINGFIELD, NH— Allen “Al” John Gestay, 82, of Springfield NH, passed in the arms of his loving wife Kathy on Monday, April 14, 2025 at his home in Springfield, NH.
Born in Meriden CT on February 19,1943 to the late John and Leona Gestay, Al was raised in Meriden, Connecticut and graduated from Porter Chester Institute with a degree in plumbing.
Following graduation and marriage to his first wife Marie Jacob, Al worked as a plumber and eventually opened his own plumbing business. During that time, he started his family with his first wife Marie which blessed them with 2 daughters and twin sons. Over the years Al worked hard to expand his business. Eventually, Al purchased a second home in Springfield, NH bringing his family and him North for weekends filled with snowmobiling and winter activities.
After the passing of his first wife Marie, Al made new friends and social connections in the NH community leading him to meet his future second wife Kathy Johnson. The two enjoyed a friendship and courtship after both being widowed. Al and Kathy married in 2006 when Al retired, leaving his business to his sons. He moved to Springfield permanently and enjoyed many years of retirement with his wife, family and friends.
Al was a respected member of the community. He was a member of civic and fraternal organizations including: The Moose Club, The Foresters’ Club, The Lion’s Club, The Shriners and The Mason’s. Traits including his willingness to always lend a hand will be remembered. He was a loving husband, father and “Poppa” to his grandchildren. Al never missed an opportunity to watch and celebrate a UCONN game either. He was a source of strength in his community and family and took pride in giving all he could to any he called family or friend. He was also an avid collector, loved boating, classic cars, wood working and was a DIY master. He loved to cook, entertain and have a good laugh with those around him or by his wood pile.
In addition to his wife Kathy, surviving family members include his children, Denise Zawalinski of Waterford, CT, Lauren and her husband Jack Coleman of Portland, CT, David Gestay of Meriden, CT, Steven and his wife Sue Gestay of Haddam, CT. Al was also stepfather to Scott and Brent Johnson of Newport, NH and Limington, ME; Al’s surviving grandchildren are Jacob, Haley, Addy, Molly, Mason, Evan, Brendon, Ashlee, Brooke, and Connor; and great grandfather to Marianna and Sophia.
The Gestay family would like to offer special thanks to the Nurses, and Physical and Occupational Therapists of Lake Sunapee VNA for the love and care they gave Al during his health care battles.
Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 6 PM on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, located at 42 Main Street Newport, NH. A Catholic mass to honor Al will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 724 Main Street, New London, NH. A reception will immediately follow at the Foresters Club on 38 Maple Street Newport, NH. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to join the family. Donations may also be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
