Necrology
Because Hamilton Remembers
Ronald Philip Kessler '54
May. 9, 1932-Jan. 3, 2020
Ronald Philip Kessler ’54, a teacher and sales representative of Myrtle Beach, S.C., formerly of Virginia Beach, Va., and Raleigh, N.C., was born on May 9, 1932, in Utica, N.Y., a son of the former Lillian Ostrosky and Moe Kessler, a jeweler. He graduated from Utica Free Academy.
At Hamilton, Kessler participated on the football and swimming and diving teams, and was a member of the Spanish Club, Economics Club, and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He focused his studies in psychology and Spanish.
Following service in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1954 to 1956, Kessler earned a master’s degree in education from SUNY Albany. He taught briefly at Guilderland High School, near Albany, N.Y., before embarking on a long career in sales with Top Threads and Carolina Activewear, among others. He enjoyed working with customers in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and for the past 21 years called Myrtle Beach home.
A published obituary noted that Kessler’s passions included cheering for the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Atlanta Braves, as well as whichever team was playing against Duke.
Kessler died on Jan. 3, 2020. He was 87 years old and is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Ann Dickman, four children, six grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.
Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu
The Joel Bristol Associates
Hamilton has a long-standing history of benefiting from estate and life payment gifts. Thoughtful alumni, parents, and friends who remember Hamilton in their estate plans, including retirement plan beneficiary designations, or complete planned gifts are recognized and honored as Joel Bristol Associates.
Contact
Office / Department Name
Alumni & Parent Relations
Contact Name
Jacke Jones
Director, Alumni & Parent Relations
