John R. "Jack" Kessler

John R 'Jack' Kessler, 85, died on March 28, 2012 at his home in Succasunna.

He was born on Sept. 2, 1926 and grew up and married in Bloomfield. In 1964 he and his family left Bloomfield and moved to Succasunna. He was a World War II Veteran and proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the destroyer escort USS WARD, DE 243, from 1944-1946.

He worked for the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, in Newark, as a quality Control lab technician for 36 years before retiring in 1988. He was an avid New York Giants and Yankees fan and enjoyed frequent trips to Atlantic City to play black jack. He also enjoyed gardening and taking day trips with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.

He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Gertrude (nee Roberts), wife Mildred (nee Rinehart) of 47 years, brother Howard, and sister Helen Southwell.

He is survived by his daughter Christine (and Frank) Fillimon of Madison, son Russell (and Lynda) Kessler of Edgewater, Fla., grandson Alexander John Fillimon of Madison, brother Bobby (and Jean) Kessler of Bloomfield, sister Evelyn Schappell of Venice, Fla., and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The funeral was to be held on Friday, March 30, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the "USS Slater Hull Preservation Fund", PO Box 1926, Albany, NY 12201.