Gary Edward Heussler

Gary Heussler, a Hamden native and most recently a resident of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 22, at the age of 35. Gary was born on May 17, 1987, in New Haven, to Robert (Bob) Heussler and the late Marcia Heussler. He was a visiting professor at Amherst College in the biology department and was preparing to teach a fall course in molecular genetics. Prior to arriving at Amherst, Gary was a post-doctoral researcher in the Dutton Lab at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Heussler earned his Ph.D. from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College in 2016. In 2010 Gary completed a postbaccalaureate fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. He was a proud Fairfield University Stag, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2009. Gary played rugby at Fairfield and enjoyed all sports. He was an avid weightlifter and runner, completing numerous marathons, including the NYC Marathon in 2014. Gary enjoyed baseball passionately and followed every inning played by his beloved New York Mets. Most of all, Gary had a boundless love for his family and his many friends. He is survived by his father, Bob, and Bob’s partner, Susan Curtin, by his brother Stephen and sister-in-law Allison, and by his adoring nieces Tabitha and Fiona and nephew, Nathaniel. Gary was predeceased by his mother, Marcia. Visiting hours are Wednesday, August 31, 4:00-8:00 p.m., at the Lacerenza Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation https://www.bbrfoundation.org/about. To leave an online condolence please visit www.Lacerenzafh.com