Kenneth C. Kessler

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth C. Kessler, CPA. Born on July 1, 1942 to parents Morris Kessler and Edna Leventhal; Ken grew up in Jamaica Estates, New York City. In 1963, Ken graduated with a B.S. in accounting from Union College where he was a member of Kappa Nu and Phi Epsilon Pi fraternities alongside his surviving brother, Robert Kessler, currently of Brighton, England. Ken attended Rutgers University for graduate studies. Shortly after the completion of his studies, Ken opened a private accounting practice in Amsterdam, NY. There he developed lifelong friendships with clients as he assisted them with their accounting needs for 35 years. Ken enjoyed many hobbies over the years and he pursued them with an impressive passion. His interest in farming found this NYC native running a 67 acres sheep farm in his earlier years where his nephew and niece, Dennis and Jeanne, made fond memories. Later, his extensive collections included over 5,000 pieces of hammered aluminum and 70 string instruments. Music was a fundamental part of Ken's life. He studied violin as a child and retained a love, appreciation and knowledge of classical music throughout his life. He later became immersed in playing fiddle music, violin, and mandolin. His love of music was infectious and he often encouraged others to play. He enjoyed many summers playing with others at violin camps and Bluegrass festivals. But, the passion that was closest to his heart was his family. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Berning Kessler, with whom he enjoyed 33 years of traveling, dinner parties, film festivals, and exploring the countryside. He also leaves behind a doppelgänger son, James Grant Kessler, in Berlin, Germany and a daughter, Laura Kessler, who returned to Menands, NY to be with him in his final years. He will also be missed by his loving step-children: David Lilac in Sacandaga Lake, NY; Laura McCrackin in Cedaredge, CO; Robert Lilac in Scotia, NY; and Peggie Bell in Brooksville, Florida. The Lilac, Berning, and Kessler families were quite close and enjoyed decades of family time together between Scotia and Galway Lake. Ken especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Brent, Brandon, Tamara, Molly, Emily, Jess, Olivia, Sophia, Gabriel, and Lucia. Ken departed for his next journey holding the hand of his loving wife, Patricia, as YoYo Ma played in the background on the morning of May 2, 2020.