David Kessinger

1932 - 2021

BELMONT - Father David Kessinger, O.S.B., a monk and priest of Belmont Abbey, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, February 7, strengthened by the sacraments of the Church.

He was born in Clifton Forge, VA, on Aug. 5, 1932. He graduated from Belmont Abbey Junior College in 1951, and earned his B.S. in History and Economics from Mount St. Mary's College, Emmitsburg, MD, in 1953.

He later pursued graduate studies in Library Science at the Catholic University of America. Father David made his first profession of vows as a monk of Belmont Abbey on July 2, 1954 and was ordained a priest on May 31, 1958. He taught Geometry in the prep school at Belmont Abbey, served as librarian for thirteen years, and filled various offices in the monastic community. Father David was a diligent and faithful priest who had a special compassion and dedication to ministry to the sick and homebound. He loved his service as Chaplain at Sacred Heart Convent, and his affection was generously returned by the Sisters of Mercy. Through declining health in recent years, he remained faithful to community prayer and life in the monastery.

Father David was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Ethel (née Shughrue) Kessinger, and by his older sisters Phyllis Kessinger and Sister Dolores Kessinger, C.S.C. He is survived by the monks of Belmont Abbey. Father David's body will be received in the Abbey Basilica at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, followed by Vespers and visitation. In light of pandemic conditions, the funeral will be private but the Mass will be livestreamed on the Belmont Abbey College YouTube and at: www.bac.edu/FrDavidK. 

Arrangements entrusted with McLean Funeral Directors, Belmont.