Obituary of Gordon W. Wacker

Gordon William Wacker, born on June 10, 1939, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to the late Elwood and Cecilia Wacker, passed away peacefully at home at age 78 on May 10 in Old Saybrook, CT.  Gordon had wonderful memories of growing up on the Jersey shore, body surfing, sailing and spending time with his adoring extended family. Gordon graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961 and then went on to the Naval Nuclear Power Engineering School and Submarine School.  Gordon retired as a Lieutenant after completing five patrols as the nuclear officer on the submarine, the Patrick Henry.  Beginning a new chapter of his life, one that was surrounded by more women than men, Gordon married Sheila Enman of Old Lyme in 1966 and they went on to have three daughters.  After a short career at IBM, his drive for innovation led him to start his own software company at the dawn of the computer industry.  His business, Quality Data Systems, grew as a result of Gordon’s analytical prowess and easy way with people and he enjoyed many enduring friendships with his colleagues and customers.  Although he worked tirelessly to grow his business, Gordon still found time to share countless great adventures with his family including hiking, skiing, sailing, and scuba diving.  Gordon loved to connect with people during a good meal and was always quick to share a story or a joke.  Humor, his selflessness, and his incredible intellect were his greatest strengths.  He was a loving father and grandfather, a dear friend, a sports fan for all seasons (but especially a beleaguered Giants fan), and a jokester.  He genuinely will be missed by all who knew him.  He is survived by Sheila Wacker, his brother, Greg (Kate) Wacker, his beloved children, Amy (Jack) Orr, Mandy (Ted) Kulpik, and Lee (Matt) Sharp, and his grandchildren, Emma, Bridget, India and Dylan.  Donations in his memory may be made to the Estuary Council of Seniors , 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.  A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on June 10, 2018 from 2 - 4 pm at the Essex Yacht Club, 19 Novelty Lane, Essex, CT . To share a memory of Gordon or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.