ALEXANDER "SPARKY" KISSE

KISSE
ALEXANDER "SPARKY"
Age 97, passed peacefully away on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at Prince George's Hospital, following a short episode of pneumonia. He was born June 18, 1917, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into a large family. In 1942, he married Rosemary "Smiley" Smialek and in 1957 moved to New Carrollton, Maryland where he started and ran his own successful business. He was the first Santa when New Carrollton was a new community. He rode through the streets in a sleigh made each year especially for him by the Men's Club and distributed candy and gifts to the children and shut-ins. Sparky loved telling tales and relating his experiences with the 28th Division in WWII during the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest and Battle of the Bulge where he was seriously wounded and earned a Purple Heart as well as a Bronze Star. Even during war's difficult times, his sense of humor and courage was an inspiration to all and he earned many commendations. He also qualified as a sharpshooter and could still out-shoot many younger veterans at Army Reunions. He traveled back to Normandy several times with veterans groups for anniversary remembrances. Despite his advanced age, he was sharp, fiercely independent, kept up with current events and loved watching football and Judge Judy on TV. Smiley, his loving wife of 50 years, predeceased him in 1992. He leaves behind his daughter, Leonette, of Greenbelt; her daughter, his granddaughter, Allyson, who together cared for him in his home for many years; a son, William, of Rockville, (Phyllis Newfield); granddaughter, Tatiana Fontana; one sister, Helen Rohal of Oakdale, Pennsylvania; brother, Theodor (Pat) of Sunny Beach, Michigan; several nieces and nephews and many friends. Despite our many years together we will dearly miss our PapPap. Relatives and friends may call at BORGWARDT FUNERAL HOME, 4400 Powdermilll Road, Beltsville, Maryland, on Friday, February 20, 2015, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
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