David Luessenhop, 86, of Newtown, and retired Texaco executive, died quietly December 4, after a lengthy illness. He was born May 6, 1928, in Elmhurst, Ill., the son of Gertrude and Alfred Luessenhop, and later moved to Westfield, N.J., where he spent most of his childhood, growing up with his older brother and two sisters. 

Mr Luessenhop was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the US Army and stationed in Germany.

He graduated from Lafayette College with a BS in chemical engineering in 1949, later earning a master’s in business administration from Temple University in Philadelphia.  After graduation, he worked for the Texaco Corporation in positions of increasing responsibility at refining locations throughout the United States, and traveling internationally from headquarters in Harrison, N.Y.  He retired in 1989 after spending his entire 40-year career with Texaco (Chevron).

For the past 25 years, Mr Luessenhop resided in Newtown with his devoted companion, Lilleba Peterson, enjoying their common interests in world travel, gardening, and skiing. He also enjoyed fishing, particularly salmon fishing in Alaska, and he escorted friends and family to Elfin Cove to share his great love for the Alaskan outdoors. 

He was a devoted member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown, serving in the music program and in Men’s Ministry. Trinity Men’s Bible Study caringly moved to Maplewood Assisted Living, where Mr Luessenhop resided following a stroke, to accommodate his reduced mobility, and to continue enjoying his connectedness to the group. 

Mr Luessenhop served on the Board of the Friends of Music in Newtown, where he totally enjoyed the fine music and friendships gained. He was also an active member of the Newtown International Club.

His companion Lilleba Peterson of Newtown; his four sons and wives, David and Denise Miller of Tulsa, Okla., John Peter Luessenhop, Sr, and Linda of Blackwood, N.J., Dr Christian Luessenhop and Heather of Tulsa, Okla., and Douglas and Tracy Luessenhop of Ridgefield; nine grandchildren, Cash, Brice, Blair, Hudson, Ford and Lake, and Jonelle, and husband Sean, John, Jr, and wife Megan, and Sean, and wife Mandy, and Nicholas; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Barbara Heinz of Greensboro, N.C., and Katherine Beattie, and husband Bill, of Danbury survive Mr Luessenhop. His brother, Dr Alfred Luessenhop, predeceased him.

Special thanks from the family are extended to the staff at Maplewood Assisted Living for their devoted service, and to Danbury Hospital, Bethel Health Care, and the Newtown Ambulance. 

A memorial service for family and friends will take place at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown, Saturday, December 20, at 10:30 am, to honor his life. A light lunch will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470, or Newtown Ambulance Association, PO Box 344, Newtown CT 06470.