Joseph Edward "Joe" Kientzler

Joseph Edward Kientzler, 83, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Paterson, NJ, Joe was the son of the late Joseph Kientzler and Marion Melanson. He graduated from Central High School in Paterson and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business, graduating magna cum laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Joe was a dedicated and hardworking man. He was proud to spend 36 years of his career with Nabisco. Joe was affectionately known by his colleagues as "Iron Joe" for his toughness, resilience, and tireless work ethic. He loved his work and always came home with stories his family loved hearing around the dinner table. Outside of work, Joe had many interests. He enjoyed reading, tackling crosswords and Sudoku puzzles, indulging in his sweet tooth for chocolate, and was a familiar friendly face on his daily walks through Lexington, SC. He had a passion for cars, especially his Corvettes, and a lifelong love of animals, with the neighborhood strays always finding a friend in him. Above all else, Joe's greatest devotion was to his family. A loving husband to his wife, Beverly Joan Henkle Kientzler, for 64 years, he was also a role model, leader, and source of constant encouragement for his children and grandchildren. He cherished attending their dance recitals, baseball games, and special events, and created countless lasting memories by taking them on family trips to the Steamboat Inn, Disney World, the Great Smoky Mountains, and many other places filled with memories of laughter and love. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly Joan Henkle Kientzler; his children, John Kientzler (Millie) and Dawn D'Egidio; his grandchildren, Kristy Ricard (Rick), Olivia Long (Spencer), Grace D'Egidio, and Anthony D'Egidio; his great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Ricard and Ryan Ricard; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marion (DeValue) Kientzler Melanson; stepfather, Carroll Melanson; father, Joseph Kientzler; brother, Jeffrey Kientzler; sister, Patricia Doerwald; and grandson, Andy Rodriguez. Joe leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness, strength, and generosity. He was truly one of a kind – a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend – who will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.