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Dr. Kenneth Kessin Obituary
Ken was born in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of Isadore and Lillian Kessin. He earned his PhD. from the University of Chicago and committed his entire professional life to helping the less fortunate. He taught at Illinois Tech in Chicago and Rutgers University in New Jersey and was Chairman of the Department of Sociology at Trenton State University, New Jersey. Later in life, he earned a MSW Degree. Among the positions he held as a social worker were Clinical Director of the Jewish Family Service in Bridgeport, Ct., and Director of a homeless shelter in Stamford, Ct.
After moving to Las Cruces nearly 14 years ago, Ken was Clinical Director at DACCAC and counseled at the New Mexico State Correctional Facility.
A kind and generous man, Ken contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to many social service agencies. Included among them are President of United Way of Southern New Mexico and Board Member of La Pinon, the rape crisis center, Restore, Habitat for Humanity. As a member of Temple Beth-El he started the Mensch Club. Whenever anyone needed a helping hand, in any way, Ken was there quietly doing the task without any need for recognition. His kindness, assistance, and woderful wit will be missed very much.
A memorial service will be held on December 19, 2008 at 1:00 at Temple Beth-El, 3980 Sonoma Springs Avenue. Friends will be received at the family home for Shiva Services. Donations in Ken's memory can be made to La Posada Mesilla Valley Hospice, Las Cruces, NM, the ACLU, and the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. To send condolences go to www. lapaz-grahams.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dr. Kenneth Kessin
Nina Kimbrough
December 21, 2008
I love you, Dad. Life won't be the same without you.
Rosa Silva
December 20, 2008
Kessin Family:
My condolences to your family. I knew Dr. Kessin working with United Way. He was a wonderful man.
Tom Phillips
December 20, 2008
To the Kessin Family, I'd like to extend my condolences and also let you know how much I appreciated Ken's frequent visits to my Dad John, while he was still alive. Ken clearly brightened Dad's days when he'd visit and Ken really made an impression on me.
Thank you for the little bit of time I got to spend with Ken. He was a fine gentleman and a wonderful human.
Mike Milam
December 20, 2008
Ken Kessin was a caring and generous man. I've known him since our days together with United Way. He always worked for what was best for the nonprofit agencies in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County. He was feisty and had a good sense of humor, even about his teeny weeny camper :) I will miss our passing talks and witticisms in the Walmart parking lot and during breaks at the symphony.
Joseph Weitzell
December 20, 2008
The very short time that I spent with the Kessins was still enough to help me appreciate the depth of the loss his family must feel. I offer my heart felt condolences.
Joe Weitzell, Hospice Volunteer
Leticia Armendariz
December 19, 2008
Kessin Family,
I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Dr. Kessin at DACCAC. He was a warm, kind person whom was very passionate about his work. I was blessed to have known him. My sincere condolences.
Mesilla Valley Habitat ReStore volunteers and staff
December 19, 2008
Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore would like to express our condolence. He was a great volunteer and contributor to the ReStore. He will be greatly missed.
Henry Parra
December 19, 2008
Mesilla Valley Habitat Restore would like to offer our most respected condolences. Dr. Kessin was a volunteer with us and was a wonderful and great asset to our cause; Habitat for Humanity. He will be greatly missed by all.
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