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EDWARD KESSLER Obituary
85, of Bethel Park, formerly of Beechview, passed peacefully into the arms of our Merciful Lord on Monday, May 23, 2011. Husband of the late Anna (Palka) Kessler, his one and only! Loving father, friend and confidant to his children Marianne Garritan (Lou), Ed Kessler (Kris), Linda Farley (Ed), Susan (fiance Tom), David "Duke" Kessler (Traci) and Andrea Sanders (Mark); special Pap and life teacher to 13 grandchildren, Louie, Vanessa, Eddie, Lindsey, Emily, Alex, Samantha, David, Brooke, Julia, Elliott, Ethan and Victoria; brother of Margie, Patsy Annora, Nancy and Bobby and the late Dorothy, Bill and Betty; special friend to Matt Hovanec and family, Bob Mislanovich and family and Gary Gabriel and family. Mr. Kessler was a part of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles, 502nd P.I.R. C-Company in WWII. Enlisted July 5, 1942 and participated in D-Day June 5, 1944; Holland (Wounded-Hearing) September 17, 1944; Battle of the Bulge - Bastogne - December 17, 1944; captured - December 29, 1944; wounded as P.O.W. - January 1945; released from German control March 29, 1945; back to the USA on April 29, 1945; discharged November 1945; reenlisted March 1946 to Germany; 1947 returned to the States; 1947 to Japan; Honorable Discharge July 5, 1950. Mr. Kessler received the following medals, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War, Bronze Star, American Campaign, WWII Victory, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, Parachute Jump Wings, Sharpshooter, United States National Defense, Good Conduct, Combat Infantry Badge, Distinguished Unit Citation, First Strike 1/502, French Croix de Guerre Fourragere Shoulder Cord and Belgium Croix de Guerre Fourragere. He was a devout Catholic and family man raising his six children, ages two to thirteen alone after the early death of his wife Anna. Active in his church as President of the Holy Name Society. Retired after 27 years from the Duquesne Light Company, during which time he served as Vice-President of the IBEW Local Union. He was happiest at his Pymatuning Lake home. Ed was an "Elite Member" of the West Liberty Club. For those of you lucky enough to have crossed his path, you will agree it was a rare experience. Our deepest gratitude to Heartland Hospice for their loving and tender care. As per Ed's request, there will not be any visitation. All are welcome to celebrate Ed's life with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pamphilus Church, 1000 Tropical Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15216 (Beechview), on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 10 a.m. Luncheon immediately following the Mass in the St. Pamphilus Social Hall. Interment private. Arrangements entrusted to BRUSCO-NAPIER FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD. Send online condolences to www.brusco-napierfuneralhome.com
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Gary Palka
May 19, 2021
Remember Uncle Ed?? Never will forget him. Always keeping the family laughing, but had a very serious side also. I went to Uncle Ed several times in my younger days to help me get my head straight, and he was enormously helpful. I will always remember my aunts and uncles from the cottage and holidays. I miss them all. GTP
Dana Hanna
May 19, 2020
I will never forget you. My most favorite hospice patient. You taught me about life and how much you loved your family. I will never ever forget you !!!!!!!!!!!! Social Worker Dana
Charles O'Neill
October 27, 2011
My father served in WWII with Mr Kessler and would like to be contacted by a member of his family. Can you please email me at [email protected] Thanks Toni O'Neill
andy pistella
June 16, 2011
To the Kessler Family, I am so sorry to hear the loss of your father. Adam, told me today and I am truly sorry. I always admired your Dad from afar in regards to raising the family without Mom, and then reading his obit regarding the war years. Truly a great man! God bless you all.
Andy Pistella
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June 8, 2011
Marianne. My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your father. He is pain free now with his wife and GOD. Take care.
Janet Schafer, Duquesne Light
Ross Twp,Pennsylvania
May 27, 2011
Andrea and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your father, what a remarkable man he must have been. We miss you Andrea..........Pat and Barb Riley
Mary Simon
May 27, 2011
To The Kessler Family, Ed was a wonderful friend and neighbor at the Lake. Its been a pleasure knowing him for over 20 years. He was a funny,caring,thoughtful, helpful friend- and so witty! It just won't be the same up there without him. He was like part of the family. He loved his kids and grandchildren so much. He took great pride in all of you. You made him proud! We will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time. God Be with you All, Simon and Balogh Family
May 27, 2011
To the most wonderful family there is,
It was both an honor and pleasure to spend every week with Ed and you all. I feel as though Mike and I have become a part of the family.
Sincerely, Social Worker Dana
Paul & Bridget Warnock
May 26, 2011
To the Kessler family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thought's an prayer's are with you at this difficult time.
May 26, 2011
The Kesslers
Thoughts and prays for your family.
The Collins Family
Mark Gaetano
May 26, 2011
To all of the Kesslers, Please accept my heartfelt condolences at your time of sorrow.
Chris Ritner
May 26, 2011
To my cousins, Mary Anne, Eddie, Linda, Suzy, Dukie, Andrea,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Uncle Eddie was truely one of my foundest childhood memories, always happy, always joking...such a wonderful man with an amazing spirit. My thoughts are with all of you and I will miss him
Miss and love you all
Sincerely Chrissy
Anet Moran
May 26, 2011
To the Kessler family - Mr. K was legend! His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. Our deepest sympathy to you and yours. We love you and our prayers are with you, especially on this day. Love, Anet and Lauren
karen duddy
May 26, 2011
to the Kessler family, my prayers are with your family at this time of need. Uncle eddie was one of my favorite uncles and he was always smiling when i saw him. RIP uncle eddie.
Stacey Skelly
May 26, 2011
Andrea, Linda, Susie, Marianne, Ed, Duke and the whole Kessler clan... How Beautiful life was with your dad and pap in it. He was the neatest man to know and speak to. I'm sorry for your loss. Take comfort in the knowledge that he's resting in peace! With love and prayers~
May 26, 2011
Duke and Traci- I was one of the lucky ones, I was able to have some wonderful conversations with Mr. Kessler on my trips to Pgh. He always made me laugh and put a smile on my face. The love for his family was obvious , you could see it in his eyes. He was a great man and will be missed terriably. Hold on to all those wonderful memories that I know you both have. I know you will have several wonderful stories to tell the kids as they get older. Love and Miss you guys . Wish I could be there. xoxo Tracy Bagnato (atlanta, ga)
Beattie Family
May 26, 2011
To the Kessler family, so sorry for your loss. What a wounderful man and father. Keeping all of you in our thought's an prayer's.
Terry Mullner
May 25, 2011
Marianne:
Sorry to hear of your father's passing, he was always a good guy while we were growing up in Beechview.
Bill and Linda Hieber
May 25, 2011
Dear Kessler family,
We met Ed a little over six years ago when we bought the house across the street from him at Pymatuning. We were only there for a few days before he came over and introduced himself. We liked him from that moment. We enjoyed the many talks we had with him while standing out in our yards. I enjoyed taking baked goods to him because he always appreciated them so much. We will surely miss having him around. We didn't get to know you, his children and grandchildren, but we know that you are wonderful people because he was such a great influence and inspiration in your lives. May God bless and comfort you all.
Elaine Hatala
May 25, 2011
The Kessler Family - I agree, it was a rare experiece crossing paths with Eddie Kessler. His love for his family was evident from the first words he spoke, and he always took an interest in everyone else's family. I was PRIVILEGED to know him as the former Secretary for the POW Program, where he will be missed. He talked often of his camp at Pymatuming. Your family was blessed to have a wonderful father/grandfather, but I don't need to tell you that. May he rest in peace beside his beloved Anna, and may God Bless the family of dear Eddie Kessler.
Dennis Lenkner
May 25, 2011
Marianne, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a great guy and a great father to you and all your brothers and sisters. In my thoughts and prayers.
Gary & Kathy Palka
May 25, 2011
Gosh, I don't know what to say. I'm sure we all thought all our dads and uncles were immortal. I'll always remember Uncle Ed clowning around at the cottage with Uncle Glen, Uncle Harry, Uncle Tom, Uncle Joe (Dad), and Uncle Flappy around the campfire. They're all together again, along with your mom. I will miss your Dad very much.
Cousin Gary
May 25, 2011
To the loving family of Ed Kessler.
We wish could have known this special man. What many beautiful memories you must have of him.
With our sincere sympathy,
Karen and Terry Boulden (New Castle)
Jean, Jack, and Katie O'Toole
May 25, 2011
Dear Kessler Family,
The Gladys Avenue Family mourns the loss of one of its finest patriarchs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Eddie was a special neighbor, a dear friend, and one of our personal heroes. Our lives were richer because of the time we spent with him and you on Gladys Avenue. Our freedom endures because of your dad’s courage and actions during WWII. And for that we are forever grateful. We will miss him. We will always cherish the wonderful memories of our time together, and will continue to be inspired by how he chose to live his life. Wishing you sympathy, comfort, and love,
Dan Lang
May 25, 2011
The Kessler Family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad and Pap. He will be missed.
May 25, 2011
To the Kessler family. Your Dad and his brother Bill were great gentlemen and we always had a great time at the cabin playing golf and listening to the stories. Those were great times that we will always rember. Please accept our condolence's from the June golf group Larry Sullivan, Rich Campolo, Dan Doherty, Bob Mohn, Skip Shorr and Tom Hauser
May 25, 2011
To the Kessler family.
We will miss Ed dearly,what a good man he was.He was like the mayor of Pymatuming.God Bless through your time of healing..We had a lot of good times as neighbors on Horeshoe Drive
THe Gildea family
Tracy Ackerman
May 25, 2011
Duke,Traci, David, and Brooke,
So sorry for the loss of your dad, father-in-law, and pap. Let us know if you need anything - Mike will have a drink in Pap's memory when he goes to Pymatuning this Aug... Mike had a great time hanging out with him up there last year.
Gene, Becky, Jimmy & Nicholas Gasper
May 25, 2011
Duke, Traci, David & Brooke
Sorry to here of the passing of your Father/Pap. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers.
May 25, 2011
Duke, Traci, David, and Brooke,
We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. You are so blessed to have such a remarkable father and grandfather to remember and who will continue to touch your lives everyday in your own thoughts and actions. Lori, Steve, Ty, Peyton, and Riley Miller
May 25, 2011
To the Kessler Family,
I am a former Beechview resident and remember your dad's name being mentioned in our house by my dad Henry Nolle. I believe they may have been Lodge friends. I write because something made me remember your dad's name. I have to bet that it was because my dad would have spoken about him as a friend and a veteran. My deepest sympathies to your family. Another loyal American soldier is gone. Because of your dad and other WWII veterans and all vets, we live... I am in my 50's and know we are free because of those soldiers who fought and suffered for us. Thank you Mr Kessler. Terri Nolle
Bob & Pat Howard
May 25, 2011
Dear Duke and family,
May your family and memories help you through this difficult time. Another bright star will shine in heaven. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Raymond Mayberry
May 25, 2011
To ED Duke &Sue and family Sorry about your Dad he was a good man
Jim Ellenbogen., Allegheny County Councilman
May 25, 2011
To Ed's Family.
I want to express my Deepest Sympathy on Ed's loss. What a wonderful man. It is amazing that such a combat war hero possessed the love and compassion that this man engulfed. As a young man, I spent alot of time with Ed and the late Joe Landy working on political stuff. He was always so kind to me, and as a young fella interested in politics, when so many of the older people would ignore you in those days, he always had time for me. I will miss him. You, his family are blessed to have had such a wonderful man as part of your family. G-D Bless you Ed, and Thank you
Julia
May 25, 2011
I love you so much pap, and miss you Extremely. I never thought i would ever have to say goodbye. I love you and you were such a great man. You are in my heart "Always and Forever" <3
Michelle Reed
May 25, 2011
Dear Andrea, I'm so sorry my dear friend, no more suffering for him though. As you've been here for me through the loss of my baby girl, I will be here for you, anything you need please call. Love you & God Bless You & your wonderful family.
Bill and Lucy Kessler
May 25, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Uncle Eddie was one in a million. All the stories and the laughs were priceless.
Love to you all.
Bill and Lucy Kessler
Scottsdale, Arizona
Paul & Claudia Ziegler
May 25, 2011
Ed, Duke and all of the Kessler Family, Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. When growing up all those years ago in Shadycrest, we all viewed Mr. K as bigger than life. He raised a fantastic family and will certainly be missed.
linda raczkiewicz
May 25, 2011
Marianne and family you may not remember me but i did some
babysitting for you're parents.My name at the time was Linda Raber,
my mother and dad Helen and Ralph-Lowenhill St.I truly loved you're
parents-two of the most wonderful and caring people i ever met.I loved
just sitting and talking to you're mom and i saw the beautiful marriage
they had.I am truly sorry for you're loss
linda raczkiewicz
May 25, 2011
To the entire Kessler Family. My deepest and loving condolences to each of you in the passing of your Dad. I always thought of him as a very special guy, My fondest memory is after we were all done sledding on Shaffer's Field, your Dad would make a batch of hot chocolate and hand it out to each of us. He will be sadly missed. Love to all, Robin Voskamp Bianco
May 25, 2011
i never met him, but worked with duke, linda and andrea at the rusty scupper TOO long ago-my condolonces to them and the rest of the family-ROB ORR
May 25, 2011
Marianne and Family
Sorrry to read of the passing of your father. Our deepest sympathy.
Betty and Roy Leuch
Pittsburgh Pa.
Patty Wissinger
May 25, 2011
Andrea and Family,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. May all of your happy memories help you thru these most difficult days.
Katie Lazzaro
May 25, 2011
Duke, Traci, David, Brooke and the Kessler Family
May his Memory be Eternal. A truely amazing Man, Soldier, Father, and Grandfather.
With deepest sympathy,
Katie Chris Mia and Owen Lazzaro
May 25, 2011
Wow! What an impressive life Mr. Kessler lived and I'm sure all of his family are so proud. I grew up with Susie and remember going to her house in Shadycrest to swim in their pool and Mr. Kessler was always so kind. He is in a better place now and is finally reunited with his wife. My condolences to all of the family. Betty Geary
May 25, 2011
My Dear Kessler Family Friends, All of You! - My deepest condolences. Your Dad was the greatest and I am blessed to have known him. He is now with your Mom and we all know how much he missed her, as you will miss him. God Bless! Janey Eger
Rich Kline
May 25, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the entire Kessler family wih your loss. We will miss his words of wisdon while sitting around the camp fire and will surely miss that wonderful smile. The entire Kessler klan was extremely blessed to have had such a fine person as the head of the family.
"Coach" Kline & Family
May 25, 2011
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER AND GRANDFATHER. ED WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND HE RAISED SOME WONDERFUL CHILDREN. MAY THE SADDNESS YOU ARE FEELING NOW BE REPLACED BY THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES YOU HAVE IN YOUR HEART. LET US ALL CELEBRATE EDS WONDERFUL LIFE, A LIFE WELL LIVED.
OUR PRAYERS WILL BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.
KAREN AND PEGGY WAIGHT
Buccilli Family
May 25, 2011
Ed was an unbelievable person loved by many people. He always found a way to make people smile! He had a fantastic life and you should be very proud of his many accomplishments. The write up in the paper was beautiful! We were amazed by the multiple of awards that he received. He was a great neighbor for 52 years and will be missed very much!
Love and Kisses,
Buccilli Family
Cathy Maselko
May 25, 2011
Sue, Alex & Sam and all the Kessler family,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad/grandfather. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Cathy, Matt and Kerri Maselko
barry buerkle
May 25, 2011
It was always a pleasure to see and talk to Eddie. I consider him a true hero and will miss not seeing him on my visits to the West Liberty Club.
Airborne "All the Way"
Dan & Jackie Palka
May 25, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jim & Michelle Conrad
May 25, 2011
Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your Father./Pap..
Celebrating a life well lived. Cherish the memories forever.
We are here for all of you.....Love you guys!
Michelle, Jim, Taylor, Mallory & Bo
xoxoxoxo
Beth Turner
May 25, 2011
Duke, Traci, David and Brooke,
We are so sorry for your loss. Always remember he will always be a part of you.
Your firends,
Howard and Beth Turner
Lori & Reno Benigni
May 25, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about your father, he was a wonderful man. So many memories. Always keep them close to your heart. That's the one thing that we can always keep with us. Memories have a way of getting us through another day. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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