Rita-Kessler-Obituary

Rita J. Kessler

Westfield, New Jersey

12/27/1930 - 01/10/2026

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DIED
January 10, 2026
LOCATION
Westfield, New Jersey

Obituary

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Rita J. Kessler, longtime resident of Westfield, N.J., passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday, January 10, at the age of 95. Rita was "a professional volunteer," having spent over four decades managing the docent program at New York's Channel THIRTEEN and New Jersey's WNET, where she also...

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When I worked at our PBS station, Channel 13 it was the greatest honor to know and engage with Rita. She was so dedicated and could tell the inspirational stories that made Channel 13 the treasure it is like no one else. Visitors were lucky if they had Rita to lead them through the facility and regale them with the multitude of facts and figures that made the station that which she admired. Those guests came away from the visit with a deeper understanding - all because of Rita. Her imprint...

My deepest sympathies.. Rita was a cousin 3 times removed.. Rita called me to volunteer for Sen Bill Bradley and I ended up working there for 17 years.. Also did fundraising for her at Channel 13..She was an activist and a doer !!

It was a shear honor and privilege to work with Rita at Thirteen. On the organization chart, I was her "boss" but it was Rita who taught me so much and showed me the ropes when I arrived at the station. Her depth of knowledge and her interpersonal and managerial skills were impressive and allowed us to accomplish so much. She was a good, kind person who was admired, loved and appreciated by all of us. She will be remembered always.

Sending sincere condolences to Rita's family at her passing. I had the privilege of working alongside her for many years at WNET. She helped make it a very special place to work and she will be missed.

My condolences to the entire family. Rita and I worked together for over ten years in the Tours program at THIRTEEN. Her enthusiasm and positivity formed the heart of the program. We had fun! We enjoyed the program, the visitors, and most importantly contributing our efforts to support our home PBS station - WNET. Rita always had great stories, knew everybody, and was unflagging in her energy and dedication. She will be greatly missed.

I´ll never forget the long conversations with Mia around the dining room table in Interlaken, the many questions she asked Jose, and her deep love for her family. Mia poured so much love into the world, and I´m so grateful to have met her, and to know that my best friend had her as a grandmother. Rest easy, beautiful Mia!

Karen and Todd. Sorry to hear about your mother´s passing away. My thoughts and feelings are with both of you. I always say when you walk through life leave footprints. Your mother did just that in many different ways. Again sorry for your loss. My condolences to both of you. Jeffrey Greenberg.