Howard Marshall Kessler

Howard Marshall Kessler, 85, of Manteo, North Carolina, died on November 12, 2025.

He was born in Nashua, New Hampshire on February 1, 1940, son of the late Henry Kessler and Jessie (Shapiro) Kessler.

Howard was a graduate of Nashua High School and went on to receive his bachelor's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and his MBA at Johns Hopkins University. He proudly served in the United States Army.

Howard worked for the U.S. Army's Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Division for over 30 years in Fort Belvoir Laboratories, VA, where he was instrumental in the development of night vision technology, including programs for the Apache and Comanche helicopters. He retired in 2001 as the Aviation Branch Chief, then continued to work as a consultant in his field until his full retirement.

Howard was known for his love of good food and exploring new cuisines. He also enjoyed traveling and engaging in thoughtful discussions on politics.

Aside from his parents, Howard was predeceased by his first wife, Carol Vierbuchen.

Survivors include his children, Winona Kirk and her husband John; Adina Dahlin and her husband Bernie; and Tamara King and her husband Ryan; his step-children, Jacqueline Brecht, David Bender and his wife Heather, and Johnathan Bender and his wife Luna; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother George and his wife Cheryl; as well as his beloved dog, BeBe, who always lit up his day.

SERVICES: Services were held on November 16th, 11:00am at Temple Beth Abraham, 4 Raymond Street, Nashua, NH 03064. Interment followed at Temple Beth Abraham Cemetery, Nashua.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Howard to OBH Cancer Center Funds, https://www.outerbankshealth.org/about-us/make-a-donation/ or Camp YJ, https://campyj.org/donate

Arrangements are in the care of Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock Street, Nashua, NH 03064.