Francis Kissel

KISSEL, Fr. Francis "Frank" J.

Fr. Francis "Frank" J. Kissel, 83, passed away on September 17, 2025. Fr. Kissel was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on September 11, 1942. He attended grade school in Olyphant, PA. He attended St. Mary's Manor and Junior College in Langhorne, PA graduating in 1962. Following novitiate in Rhinebeck, NY, he was professed as a Marist religious in 1963 and was ordained a priest on February 6, 1971. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in library science from Catholic University of America and pursued theological studies at Marist College and St. Paul's College in Washington, D.C.

Fr. Kissel served in Immaculata Seminary, Lafayette, LA from 1970-1971 and in Chanel High School, Bedford, OH from 1971-1977. He ministered at Marist School from 1966-1968 and again from 1977 until his retirement in 2017. Over the decades, he shared his talents in many areas of school life—admissions, the library, educational technology, the bookstore, and countless behind-the-scenes roles that supported students, faculty, and staff.

He also gave generously of his time as a coach. While he coached baseball and basketball, he is most remembered for his leadership of the girls tennis program. Across 38 seasons, 28 as head coach, his teams achieved a remarkable record of 516 wins and 75 losses, including 12 consecutive state championships and five undefeated seasons. He was honored multiple times as coach of the year by state and national organizations.

Fr. Kissel was predeceased by his father, John M Kissel; his mother, Helen Yurgousky Kissel; his brother, John Kissel, Jr. He is survived by his brother, Joseph and wife, Annette; nieces: Dannielle Kissel-Ulmer (husband, Dr. William), Dr. Shannon Kissel-Begley (husband, Raymond), Meghann Kissel-Costello (husband, John); and grandnieces and nephews: Sydney, Ryan and Lauren Ulmer, Grace and Charles Costello, Brayden and Logan Begley. Fr. Kissel officiated at the marriage ceremony of his brother, Joseph and Annette, and all three of his nieces. He also baptized all of his grandnieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 AM in Kenny Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. A funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in West View Cemetery.