George W. Gundersen, 87, of Simsbury, husband of the late Kathleen T. (Brennan) Gundersen, died on May 13, 2016. George was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 31, 1929 to George and Ellen (Nilsen) Gundersen and had lived in Simsbury for forty years. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and earned a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. George approached life with an optimistic and persevering, “can-do” attitude. As an engineer for Sperry Gyroscope Co. in the early 1950’s, he worked on autopilot technology for military aircraft. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served two years in the Army Chemical Corps in Maryland where he researched the innovative use of plastics for chemical warfare defense. A consummate engineer, George focused his career on aerospace manufacturing and his leadership skills led him to management positions. In the 1970’s, he was Director of Manufacturing for PRD Electronics in Syosset, NY. He then became President of Hartford Tool & Die, Inc., in Bloomfield, CT, from which he retired in 1999. He served on the Board of Directors for Hartford Tool & Die and Associated Construction Co. and was an advisory board member for First Union Bank and Manufacturers Association, Hartford. Although successful in business, George’s greatest source of pleasure in life was his family. He and his wife, Kathleen, were married for over 50 years and together raised four daughters. He took special delight in spending time with each of his five grandchildren. Known for his strength of character, keen intellect and Norwegian reserve, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving and supportive father and a kind-hearted and playful Pop-Pop. George is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Geleen and Michael Donovan of Glen Gardner, NJ, Karen and Peter Jepeal of Melbourne Beach, FL, Joanne Gundersen and James Jepeal of East Granby, CT and Susan and Peter Scott of Essex, CT; his beloved grandchildren: Sean and Kelly Donovan, Eric and Kevin Jepeal, and Zachary Scott; his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Charles and Jean Gundersen of Naples, FL and Portland, CT and three nieces and extended family. There are no calling hours. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 197 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury with the Reverend Rebekah Hatch officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Simsbury Cemetery. The family wishes to extend special thanks to George’s devoted caregiver, Courtney Smith, from Companions for Living and the many dedicated staff at McLean Care in Simsbury, all of whom assisted him greatly in his journey through Alzheimer’s disease. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit George’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences