Frederick Stanislaus Kessler
April 17, 1942 - December 23, 2015
Frederick Stanislaus Kessler of Wilmington, Delaware passed peacefully on December 23, 2015 surrounded by loved ones. He prized and cherished 73 years of life. Vibrant and debonair, he was both a proud man, and a man to be proud of. He embodied a zest for life, with tremendous vivacity and humor.
Fred was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and graduated from Salesianum School in 1960. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware in 1971 and was awarded his Juris Doctor degree from Widener University of School of Law in 1975. A U.S. Army veteran and first Lieutenant, Fred bravely served his country during the Vietnam War.
An accomplished attorney, Fred worked intensely and with integrity. He worked with the Community Legal Aid Society, a non-profit law firm dedicated to equal justice for all, and the Wilmington Housing Authority to ensure safe and affordable housing for low-income families. He served as attorney for industry leaders, Associates International, until his retirement in 1996.
An avid reader, Fred enjoyed traveling, and film. He loved and was drawn to the teachings, wisdom, and simple beauties of life in Native American culture. He is lovingly remembered with this Pueblo Indian verse:
Hold on to what is good, even if it’s a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe, even if it’s a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do, even if it’s a long way from here.
Hold on to my hand, even if I’ve gone away from you.
Fred was a devoted father, loving brother and uncle. He is predeceased by his parents William Kessler and Emily Muskas, and his sister Irene Skillman. Fred is survived and loved deeply by his sons, Jeffrey Kessler (Rose) of Swedesboro, NJ and Kyle Kessler of Santa Barbara, CA; brother, John Kessler (Pam) of Cartwright, OK; sister, Tina Subolesfsky of Elkton, MD; former spouses, Mary Beth Kessler and Marsha Kramarck; nieces, Roxanne Roberts, Jennifer Owen, Christina Kessler, Ariel and Alyssa Subolefsky, and Ashley Feldman; great nieces, Brooke Thompson and Taylor Kernodle.
Celebrate Fred and contemplate all that he loved, what we learned, and what has been passed on to us. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 Noon on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, East Main and North Chapel Streets, Newark, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 Noon. Interment will follow in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to the Native American Heritage Association, PO Box 512, Rapid City, SD 57709 or by visiting:
Jennifer owen
I couldn’t be more sorry for the loss of this amazing man! As my cousins (Jeffery and Kyle) , Fred’s sons and my dad, John his brother have said in this obituary Is all so precise. My uncle and God father Fred will be sorely missed by us all and many others who’s lives he touched. Brought up an orphan became a man to be proud of. He was the only part of my family who regularly came to see us almost yearly! He knew how much this girl missed my family it always brought great love and many cherished moments when his and Kyle would visit us in Texas! He also gave with a very loving heart. Like he did for me at my first wedding. He shipped Casapullas subs to Texas for my reception. He flew him and Kyle here and help. I know if he had been healthier he would have been right here during my second wedding 3 years ago and for the birth of my daughter almost 16 years ago! He loved his sons both of them. He wanted the world for them and for them to flureous when he really could when he was growing up. He always talked so wonderfully of Jeffrey and Kyle they were his jewels in his crown. I will never forget your smile ur laugh ur thoughtfulness ur giving nature. so please pray for my cousins and my father and all my family for loss of such a great man. Who meant the world to so many which included me. I wish I could be there but I financially can not. But this is not God bye but see you later. I know I will see you again in heaven! Thank you God for the time you gave me with such a blessing of a man I called my God father and Uncle Fred! Xoxo
John Kessler
I loved my brother and will miss him. May he rest in peace. May the Lord bless his soul and may he enter into heaven on the last day with all God’s people
Blake Thompson
You were a cool cat Fred. I am glad to have known you. God Bless you for all eternity.
Ann Marie Anacay
Jeff & Extended Family –
I’m sorry for your loss. May fond memories comfort you in the years to come and replace tears with smiles.
~Ann Marie A.
Newark, DE
Brian Hartman
Fred and I worked together in the Community Legal Aid Society’s family office in the mid-seventies. I have very fond memories of Fred. He was a very thoughtful, dedicated, and resourceful advocate with a great sense of humor. He helped lots of troubled juveniles and families better their lives.
Charles Whealton
Something made me think of Mr. Kessler today, as I’ve done a number of times over the years. This time I decided to look, and of course I sadly found out he’s been gone for almost 2.5 years. I knew Mr. Kessler from back in the early 1980s, and all I can say is that he was not only a very nice man, he was memorable. Take care, Mr. Kessler, and thank you for everything.