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He was the son of Charles and Irene Gerstenmaier.
He served in the Air Force in World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant. During transit to India, his ship, the Rohna, was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by German forces using a radio-controlled rocket. A total of 1,200 men lost their lives in the attack. Gerstenmaier was awarded the Purple Heart.
A charter member of the VFW and a member of the Noroton Heights Volunteer Fire Department, the Order of the Purple Heart, and the Senior Men’s Association, Gerstenmaier enjoyed family, travel, photography, reading, and spending time at the Darien Library.
He retired from General Electric in 1986.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; five children: Lyn (Bill) LaFontaine of Mystic, Keith (Julie) of Bethel, Craig of Southbury, Lori (Ray) Filosa of Mystic, and David (Susan) of Norwalk; and six grandchildren and one great-grandson.
He was predeceased by sisters Norma Isselee, Ruth Leonard and Muriel Nolan; and brother Douglas.
There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private.
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