Peter J. Schuessler, D.M.D., 53, of Marion, died Sunday August 4, 2002 unexpectedly at home. He was the husband of Linda J. (Presbrey) Schuessler. Dr. and Mrs. Schuessler would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 26, 2002.
Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, the son of the late Harold L. and Ruth Marie (Wollenburg) Schuessler, he had lived in Mattapoisett before moving to Marion 6 years ago.
Dr. Schuessler was a well-known area periodontist who practiced in New Bedford and Swansea for the past 26 years. He was a graduate of Fairfield University and Fairleigh Dickinson School of Dentistry. He later received a Master of Dental Science degree with a certificate in periodontics from Boston University.
Dr. Schuessler was a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Southeast District Dental Society, the New Bedford Dental Society, the Fall River Dental Society, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the National Association of Implant Dentistry. He was a member of the Country Club of New Bedford, the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE), the the Rotch-Jones-Duff House.
A gifted gardener, he transformed his beloved property into a work of art. His home was his castle, and his daughters were his princesses. He loved cooking, reading, traveling, quahogging, and just being on the water. A former New York sports fan, he eventually saw the light and enthusiastically supported the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Celtics. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and special friend to many.
Survivors include his wife; 3 daughters, Jillian B. Schuessler, Amanda M. Schuessler and Melissa T. Schuessler, all of Marion; a brother, Robert F. Schuessler of Vero Beach, Fla.; a sister, Ruth M. Coyman, and her husband James R. Coyman, of Ridgefield, Conn.; a brother-in-law, Scott F. Presbrey of South Dartmouth; a sister-in-law, Sally J. Presbrey of New Bedford; and several nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday August 8, 2002 at 10 AM in the Wickenden Chapel, Tabor Academy, Marion. Visiting hours at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, Wednesday August 7, 2002 from 3-8 PM. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery will be private. Remembrances may be made to the Town of Marion Tree Committee, Marion Town Hall, 2 Spring St., Marion, MA 02738 or the Sippican Lands Trust, Inc., 589 Mill St., Marion, MA 02738.