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Erik Kissa Obituary
AGE: 94 • Wilmington
Dr. Erik Kissa, renowned chemist, internationally recognized photographer, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away July 11, 2017 at the age of 94.
Born and raised in Estonia and forced to flee as a young man by invading Russian forces during WWII, Dr. Kissa made it his life's work to meet and exceed any challenges put before him, whether at DuPont or through his work as a consultant for the United Nations in India, China and South Korea.
Retired as a Senior Research Fellow in chemistry, Dr. Kissa is still recognized as the leading expert in fluorinated surfactants and dispersions, with 12 patents, published scientific reports and six books still in print. A passionate and skilled photographer, he applied those same research skills to the art of photography. Following years as a consultant for new members in the Photographic Society of America, he served as a columnist for the PSA Journal, answering questions from photographers around the world. This column appeared for 85 consecutive months.
A 49-year member of the PSA, he achieved the designation of master photographer in 2011 and earned numerous awards for teaching. In 2105, he was named a fellow of the PSA. As a 60-year member of the Delaware Photographic Society, he served as a mentor and was named as a lifetime member. In recognition of having 100 photographs accepted in the Wilmington International Exhibition of Photography, he was named a Senior Fellow. Most of his work focused on photographing people throughout the world, though his favorite subjects were his children and grandchildren, whom he followed continually with camera in hand. Known for his startling blue eyes, genuine smile and a unique sense of humor, he left his mark on all who met him.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Troy Maniscalco; sons, Dr. Erik Kisa and his wife, Kerry, of Virginia Beach, Va., Dr. Karl Kissa and his wife, Wendy Sue, of Gilroy, California and his granddaughters, Kristin and Jacqueline Kisa, and Emily and Joy Kissa. Other survivors include stepsons, Michael Troy and his wife, Heather, Christopher Troy and his wife, Kerry Ann, and their children.
He is predeceased by his first wife, Selma Kissa.
A service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Northville Lutheran Church, 128 Old Burlington Road, Seabrook, N.J.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday evening at the DuPont Country Club with recollections to begin at 6 p.m.
An annual award is being created to honor Dr. Kissa's photographic work. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Erik Kissa Award Fund, 1436 Fresno Road, Wilmington, DE. 19803.
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Memories and Condolences
for Erik Kissa
Sponsored by Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory - Wilmington.
Amy PANG
July 27, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Erik's passing. I hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Wishing you peace and strength during this difficult time!
With Love,
Amy Pang and Simon Tang
Hong Kong
At a Celebration of Life July 22 at DuPont Country Cub, the PSA Exec VP presented his 2017 Peabody Award for significant contributions to photography.
July 27, 2017
Jon Paris
July 22, 2017
I will always remember Erik for his welcoming eyes and gentle smile. I am happy to have known him. May I offer my condolences to the Kissa family and his extended family at the DPS.
Roenika Nichols
July 21, 2017
To the Kissa Family, I am an employee at Total Hearing Care, where myself and Margarita Razpopov assisted your father with his hearing. From the first time we meant Mr. Kissa, we all were stunned by his Blue Eyes. He has such a charismatic personality and we adored him. We both enjoyed helping your father anytime he needed us. When he or Ms. Kissa would call we would be so overjoyed to assist. I know this is your time to grieve, but rejoice as well. Your father is in a place where he is enjoying his life long reward. On behalf of myself and margarita please sincerely except our sympathy. May God continue to bless your family..
Total Hearing Care(Wilmington De)
Margarita Razpopov (HCP)
Roenika Nichols(PCC)
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Karl & Wendy Sue Kissa
July 21, 2017
We love you Papa and will miss you. Karl, Wendy Sue, Emily & Joy Kissa
John Powell
July 21, 2017
Erik was always willing to share his knowledge and experiences and will be missed by all. Condolences to your family and know we share your loss.
Lynn Viale
July 18, 2017
Karl, I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed reading your dad's obituary. What an amazing man. Your friends at Gilroy Presbyterian are praying for you and your family.
John Haedo
July 16, 2017
Eric was a wonderful, creative photographer, a real gentleman, a pillar in the photographic community writ large and especially in the Delaware Photographic Society. Eric was always willing to offer his guidance and be helpful to new and existing members alike. His contribution to the club over the decades is immeasurable. To say he will be missed does not even begin to describe his loss.
Bob Hunt
July 16, 2017
Our sincere condolences to Lynn & Erik's families. We will remember his smile & generous spirit to share his knowledge & enthusiasm for photography. Amigo Bob & Pat Hunt DPS
Gus Teipelke
July 16, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Gus Teipelke
July 16, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
July 16, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Erik Kissa DPS Picnic 2007
Robert Coffey
July 16, 2017
Erik Kissa DPS Picnic 2007
Robert Coffey
July 16, 2017
I've known Erik since I first joined the DPS in 1980 and treasure my memories of our many discussions and times together. He had an awesome career in photography, the knowledge of which he was always willing to share. Every time I contemplated a new lens, body or accessory, I consulted him. As someone expressed, "he is an expert on Nikon lenses and bodies...and he owns most of them".
With a PhD in chemistry, he had spent his career as a research scientist at DuPont and he applied his research skills to photography as well. He stayed abreast of developments in the photographic industry via subscribing to myriad magazines and journals. If he didn't know the answers to questions he researched them online and other resources, He contributed many articles and Q&A for The Reflector while my wife, Sharon, was editor; always prompt, well written and very informative. He did the same for the PSA Journal for many years.
Erik was always upbeat and most pleasant with a great sense of humor. His well tanned, healthy appearance was due to his dedication to fitness classes several days a week and that inspired me to join the YMCA.
He always had a warm smile, a friendly voice and a twinkle in his eyes. Sharon and I attended his wife's funeral year ago and were impressed by his courageous attitude facing his future life despite his grievous loss.
He was one of the first three DPS members to be named Life Time Members a few years ago. The other two were Ray Firmani and Bill Talarowski and each one had more than fifty years with the DPS.
My Camera Club of Hendersonville colleague and good friend, Ken Weaver, had been reading Erik's PSA column for some time and was looking forward to meeting him at the upcoming PSA Conference in Pittsburgh. We were just talking about him last week and I had offered to send him Erik's contact info beforehand
He leaves an astonishing legacy to the DPS and the PSA and he will be dearly missed by many admirers and friends.
Bob Coffey
Lifetime Member Delaware Photographic Society
Camera Club of Hendersonville, NC
Marvin & Helen Gerstein
July 16, 2017
Erik was a dear friend, and was always ready to provide us with excellent photography advice. His constant positive outlook never failed to inspire us. He will be deeply missed.
-- Helen & Marvin Gerstein
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