Stephen J. Messelt, 82, died on May 23, 2015 at the Mystic Health and Rehabilitation Center in Mystic, Connecticut after a brief, but courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born on June 27, 1933 in New York City , son of the late Edna Projohn Messelt and Carl Ingmar Messelt.
Mr . Messelt leaves a sister, Sonja Ziluca, a nephew , Christopher Ziluca and a niece, Deanna Dominguez. His wife Melanie, of 26 years, predeceased him. He also leaves many friends in the Coast Guard Auxillary and at St Patrick parish, Mystic where he was a regular communicant.
In his youth Mr. Messelt was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and rose to the rank of Eagle Scout. He served in the Armed Forces during the Korean War and upon discharge began a 30 year career in engineering with the Perkin- Elmer Corporation in Norwalk Connecticut where he held a top secret security clearance. During his time at Perkin -Elmer , he developed a fire detection apparatus, and an object position predictor for which he holds several patents. After retiring from Perkin -Elmer, he partnered with his wife in Essex Advertising Group, winning many awards for his innovative approaches and graphic design. After the passing of his wife, he moved to Mystic Connecticut, where he began another business venture, PhotoMyst, LLC, a photography and graphic design company, which showcased his photographic expertise.
Steve loved the sea, was an avid sailor and enjoyed racing his boat "Silent Running" , winning many awards with his crew. He was a member of the Cedar Point Yacht Club and the Essex Yacht Club. He also volunteered hundreds of hours with the Coast Guard Auxillary, where he served as Vice Flotilla Commander, Operations Officer and held the rank of Coxswain. His trawler "Myst" was used as a Coast Guard Facility. Steve was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Wilton Volunteer Fire Department, the Wilton Civil Defense Unit and held a private pilot's license.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 5, 2015, at St Patrick Church, Mystic at 10:00AM. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's memory can be made to St Patrick Church , 32 East Main Street , Mystic, Connecticut.
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