George Walton Dirschel

George Walton Dirschel (1938–2025)

George Walton Dirschel was born on May 27, 1938 in Somerville, MA.  He was the son of John and Barbara Dirschel with Luella, Lois and John Jr. as his sisters and brother. From an early age, he demonstrated the values that would guide his life: service, dedication, integrity, and love of family. While still in his teens, George devoted himself to caring for his father, who passed away during that time. After earning his Master of Business Administration from Adelphi University, he began a career that bridged military service, education, and national defense.

George shared his life with his beloved wife, Dr. Kathleen Mary Dirschel (Duggan), a distinguished nurse and educator. Together they raised six children, Mark, Kristen, Matthew, Michael, Brian, and John, instilling in them the same values of kindness, perseverance, and lifelong learning that defined their parents. The memory of their son Matthew has always remained close to their hearts.

George served his country with distinction for over 38 years of service in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era and later joined the United States Coast Guard, where he rose to the rank of Captain (O-6). As commanding officer of the USCGC Firebush, he led his crew with skill and compassion, maintaining vital navigation systems across the waters of New York Harbor and the Hudson River. George and his family spent several years stationed on Governor’s Island, where they were part of a close-knit military community.  They then moved to Long Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts and back to Bergen County New Jersey, residing there for almost 30 years. He spent his final years in Hamden, Connecticut living with and close to family.

After retiring from active duty, George continued his service to the nation as a defense contractor with BAE Systems, contributing to the development of the F22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircrafts. His professionalism and insight helped shape one of the most advanced defense systems of the modern era.

George is remembered for his quiet wit, keen intellect, and innate sense of duty. He loved reading, word puzzles, tennis, golf, travel and quiet Sundays in the house with his family. He was a man who balanced discipline with warmth, curiosity with humility.

George’s life stands as a testament to his love for his wife and family, military service, and interest in his profession. He will be remembered for his calm love of life, accomplishments, and for the love, generosity, and example he gave to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the missions he led, and the lives he touched with dignity and grace.  He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his children: Mark, Kristen, Michael, Brian and John, his ten grandchildren: Nick, Jackie, Gray, Salvador, Olivia, Blake, Ellianna, Karl, Rai and Koriander, and his sister Luella Dankiewicz. George passed peacefully on Wednesday, October 22nd surrounded by his family.

George’s funeral will be Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. from Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, Connecticut, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul VI Parish/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Friends may also visit with his family on Wednesday, October 29th at the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Burial with Military Honors will take place in Centerville Cemetery, Hamden following his Mass. To send a condolence to his family, please see: www.beecherandbennett.com.