Naomi Ruth (Retsch) Masslon, 85, of East Hartford, loving wife of 62 years to the late Robert J. Masslon, peacefully journeyed home to join her beloved husband on Sunday, August 21, 2022 with her devoted family by her side.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA on January 20, 1937, a daughter of the late Andrew and Florence Retsch, she had been a resident of East Hartford since 1968. Prior to her retirement in 1998, she was employed for 30 years by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. Naomi was very proud to earn her Associates Degree in 1988 from Manchester Community College while still working full-time at Pratt & Whitney.
A woman of strong faith, she was a devout member for over 50 years at First Congregational Church of East Hartford where she was a former choir member and deaconess. She continued to be actively involved in other committees at the church, including the church food bank, after retirement.
Naomi loved being around rivers and lakes and would often walk along the Connecticut River bird watching. She liked boating, gardening, sewing, knitting, solving puzzles, and baking treats for her family and friends to enjoy. She was also an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team and UConn Women’s basketball team. Most of all, Naomi was a proud and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her family.
She is survived by two sons, Kenneth R. Masslon and his wife Robin of Torrington, Dale R. Masslon and his wife Lidia of Manchester; a daughter, Dianna E. Gillis and her partner, Raymond Dunn, of Wethersfield; four grandchildren, Noelle Beebe and her husband Dane of Henderson, NV, Mark Masslon and his wife Chauntelle of Colebrook, Robert Masslon of Centreville, VA, Dayle Stark and her husband Lucas of South Windsor; three step-grandchildren, James Dunn and his wife Valentina of Boston, MA, Morgan Szoke and her husband Balazs of Rocky Hill, Madison Dunn of Broad Brook; six adored great-grandchildren, Hannah, Everett, Harper, Theodore, Cameron, and Eleanor; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Funeral service will be Monday (August 29, 2022) at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 837 Main Street, East Hartford with Rev. Kelly Jane Caesar officiating. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford.
Relatives and friends may call at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Sunday afternoon (August 28, 2022) from 3 – 6 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Naomi’s name may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital of New England, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.
