James Haston Stoessel

James Haston Stoessel October 11, 1927 - October 29, 2024 James Haston Stoessel, formerly of Concord, MA, passed peacefully in Pittsburgh, on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. He recently celebrated his 97th birthday. Jim was born in Springfield, MA in 1927, to Katherine (Haston) and Walter Stoessel. When Jim was 8 years old, the family relocated to Beverly Hills, CA. Jim attended the Cate School, Claremont Men's College, and graduate studies at the Wharton School. He later received an MS in Financial Services from American College. In the fall of 1952, he met his beloved wife, Deborah Bucquet. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage until Deborah's passing in 2020, raising five children together. Professionally Jim began his career with his father running a general life insurance agency with National Life of Vermont. In 1972, Jim and his family relocated to Massachusetts for positions with various financial institutions in estate planning and trusts, culminating his career as a Planned Giving officer for Northeastern University. He was a faithful, active and a long-standing member at Trinity Episcopal Church, Concord, MA, serving as a lay-reader, in educational programs and forums, and in leadership roles in Stewardship, Planned Giving and fund-raising efforts. He was an avid photographer, often using his talents to create holiday cards. He enjoyed skiing, reading, traditional jazz and classical music. Many remember learning about the "shot heard around the world" through his informal tours of Concord. He was a life-long dedicated Republican, who served on town and state party committees in CA and MA, though he reluctantly left the party in recent years. He is remembered by family, friends, and many whom he met as a kind, gentle and welcoming person bearing a warm smile. Jim is survived by sons Andrew (Susan) of Stonington, ME; Peter (Lily) of Taos, NM; Walter (Elizabeth) of Wilson, WY; and daughter Sarah (Edward) Heres of Sewickley, PA. Also, his grandchildren Christopher, Caroline, Peter, Marlen, Charlie and Sophie and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends from California, Massachusetts, and more recently, Western PA. He was predeceased by his daughter, Jessica, with whom he shared a birthdate; wife, Deborah; sister Barbara, and brother Walter. A memorial service at Trinity Church and interment at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA, will be planned for Spring 2025. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm St., Concord, MA, 01742, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements handled by Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, LTD, 930 Center Ave., Blawnox, PA, 15238.