Edward Kessler

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.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Kessler, please visit our floral store.