In loving memory of
William Wayne Gusky

• January 07, 1937
• -
• July 23, 2023

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William Wayne Gusky gave a final salute and lowered the flag on a long and distinguished life during the early morning hours of Sunday, July 23, 2023, rejoining his wife Mary Ellen Springer Gusky, his parents Wilbert Charles Gusky and Dorothy Nina Gusky, his grandfather, and great aunt.

Bill was born on January 7, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in several municipalities of that city, most notably Normandy, where he completed high school. Upon graduation and unsure of a career, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1955. It was there he discovered and developed a talent for electrical engineering, a skill that brought him through four years of distinguished Navy service and into a career with McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, where he worked with teams on NASA’s Mercury and Gemini programs. In the late 1960’s Bill took his skills to Sherwood Medical Industries to assist in a pilot project developing a manufacturing process for syringe filters. After helping Sherwood secure a patent for this product and process, Bill went on to direct the industrial facilities he helped design for the remainder of his career.

All this took place as Bill and wife Mary raised five children: Martin, William, Eric, Kristin, and Jennifer. An admitted introvert, Bill was easy to find in the house with his nose in a book, or pursuing one of his many interests which included computer programming, shortwave radio, fishing, and boating. He was always available for his kids, and would drop whatever he was working on to help with a homework problem or to supply heartfelt advice. His even temper and quick wit supplied light and inspiration to the growing minds in his care.

After retirement, Bill and Mary became active members and leaders of their local Miata club, arranging rallies and activities, one at the Daytona Speedway. Bill later contributed to Mary’s work at Good Samaritan Clinic in DeLand, both by supporting her directorial work, and by developing intake software and conducting intake interviews with patients.

Besides his kids, Bill leaves behind his brother Dennis, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. There will be a modest Celebration of Life on Sunday 7/30 from 3-5pm at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, 1 N Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169.  Family will be there and all are welcome.  A private burial for family will be held on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Bill’s memory to Good Samaritan Clinic by using the link at the bottom of their website at https://gsdld.org/about/.