Gene L. Kessler

York—Gene L. Kessler, 82, died Sunday, May 18, 2014 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Ruth A. (Strausbaugh) Kessler to whom he was married for 56 years. A Graveside Service will be 11 AM, Friday, May 23, 2014 at Greenmount Cemetery, 721 Carlisle Ave, York with the Rev. Brenda J. Ferree officiating. Anyone wishing to attend should arrive at the cemetery by 10:45 AM. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd, York is in charge of arrangements. Born October 31, 1931 in York, he was a son of the late Claude and Elsie (Geisler) Kessler. He was a 1952 graduate of West York Area High School and earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry from Penn State University in 1956. He was employed with P.H. Glatfelter as a chemist for 30 years until his retirement in 1986. A member of St. James Lutheran Church in York, he was also a member of P.H. Glatfelter’s Quarter Century Club. Gene and his wife loved spending their winters in Florida. He enjoyed horse racing in much of his leisure time and was a die-hard Penn State Football and Pittsburgh Pirates fan. In addition to his wife, Mr. Kessler is also survived by two daughters, Colleen M. Schaffner and husband, Byron of York and Susan A. Javitt-Love of York; three grandsons, Jacob E. Javitt, Matthew T. Javitt and Brady Q. Hamberger and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death two brothers, Marlin and Walter and one sister, Louise. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Assoc., 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603. Cemetery: Graveside Service will be held 11 AM, Friday May 23, 2014 at Greenmount Cemetery, 721 Carlisle Rd, York with the Rev. Brenda J. Ferree officiating.