Erich Siismets Obituary

Erich Siismets
Erich Siismets passed away quietly on June 5, 2024 at the age of 96, after a short illness. He was born in Rakvere, Estonia, on April 7, 1928, to Jaan and Alide (n�e Toots), where he grew up on the family farm. His love for farming was with him until he passed away. Erich, with his mother, sister Vilma, and brother Henno, fled Estonia in September 1944 on the heels of the Russian communist threat. They lived in Geislingen, Germany, in a refugee camp for 5 years until the family was graciously sponsored by the Ilves family with employment in upstate New York. He enlisted in the US Army with the 354th Engineering Company and found himself back in Germany. Erich took great pride in and enjoyed this experience. In Germany, he utilized his knowledge of the language and began to hone his technical skills as a mechanic in the motor pool division. Afterward, he entered Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on the GI Bill and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he began his career at the United Aircraft Research Laboratories (later known as United Technologies Corporation Research Center) for 35 years as a bearing engineer and later in Plant Engineering. His many accomplishments include the wind tunnel and clean room facilities that were built in East Hartford, Connecticut, and achieving his Professional Engineer accreditation.
Erich met his wife, Heidi (n�e Jakobson), at Estonian functions in the Albany/Schenectady area. They were married in 1961 and started a family on their farm in Andover, Connecticut. Erich was very active in the Connecticut Estonian community and with the town of Andover. In the Estonian community, he was a board member of the Connecticut Estonian Society and the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church. He led the local folk dancing group and performed in both the men's and mixed choirs. In the town of Andover, Erich stayed busy with the Planning and Zoning Committee, the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals, the Andover Republican Town Committee, and as a Connecticut Justice of the Peace.
In Andover, he was able to rekindle his love for farming. Erich raised registered Polled Hereford beef cattle, which he sold as breeding stock throughout New England. His cattle were often prize winners at local fairs. He was active in the Connecticut Farm Bureau, where he served for over 10 years and held multiple offices.
Erich was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Vilma (Eduard) Maide. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Heidi; his brother, Henno (Patricia); his sons, Arvo (Vivian) and Avo (Merike); and his daughter, Ellen Kruzyk (Steven). He was a proud and loving grandfather of Erica, Adam, Megan, Karl, Eric, Maria, and Melinda. Erich will be dearly missed by his family and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. on August 10, 2024 at the First Congregational Church in Andover. Donations may be made to the Free Estonian Word, The Nordic Press Estonian-American Publishers, 243 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016.