Morton H. Kessler
DATELINE: PROVIDENCE
Morton (Mort) H. Kessler of Providence, RI, passed away on Feb 2, 2022, at the age of 89. After several months of declining health, he died peacefully with his children by his side.
Mort was born in Providence on September 23, 1932, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Feldman) Kessler.
In his formative years Mort was a poultry raiser, buyer and breeder, as well as a trombone player. His love of growing vegetables was a lifelong passion and he enjoyed gifting family and friends with tomatoes and home-made pickles. And if you were lucky enough, you would also be gifted with his famous Hermit cookies. Later in life Mort bred and raised poodles.
As a proud member of the Army, he served overseas during the Korean War. Upon completion of his military service, Mort worked for both of his family’s businesses: Kessler’s Bakery and Ma Kessler’s Delicatessen. He was a Master Chef and Baker, using his skills and experience as a Chef Instructor at William Davies Career Technical School in Lincoln, RI. He attended URI, Bryant College and RIC.
Mort was a member of Overseas Lodge #40 F&AM, Consistory Scottish Rite Valley of Providence, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Palestine Temple, Touro Fraternal Association, University Society of Providence, Parents Without Partners – Providence Chapter, AARP, and Jewish War Veterans -Rhode Island Post 23.
Mort is survived by his sister Rosalie Buckler of Providence; former spouse Elaine (Segal) Silva and their four children, Barry Kessler and his wife Vicky Kessler of Barrington; Wayne Kessler and his wife Karen Meginsky of Westwood, MA; Rhonda Kessler (retired PPD) and her husband Keith Tucker of Smithfield; Lori Krawetz and her husband Edward of Lincoln; eight grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends.
Funeral services will be held at Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Ave, Cranston, RI on Sunday, February 6th at 10:30am.
To view a recording of the service, please Click Here.
Burial at Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick to follow. Due to the Covid pandemic, the family will not be sitting Shiva.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or The Jewish War Veterans Wall Memorial Fund, PO Box 100064, Cranston, RI 02910.
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
My sincere condolences to the Kessler Family . RIP Morty
Thank you, Lynn. We appreciate your message. Lori (Kessler) Krawetz
Thank you Lynn for your kind words.
Barry and Vicky, my sincere condolences. Ron and I had the pleasure of meeting your dad at one of the dances at the LeFoyer. Your dad will be remembered in my prayers.
Thank you Lucille for sharing your memory of Mort.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Our Brother and Uncle Mort. ❤️
Thank you to the best auntie and cousin. Love you.
sorry for your loss Mort was always one to tell stories about the times at the bakery and around the neighborhood he was a good friend
Thanks so much Tommy for sharing your memories of my Dad. He always looked forward to seeing you.
I delivered kosher meals on wheels to Morty. We had many conversations about food and recipes… I am honored to have been a recipient of his famous Hermit cookies- they were delicious!
Barry, Vicky and Kessler family.
Our deepest sympathy. Mort was a wonderful person and friend. He was always supporting Reminisce for years.
RIP Mort.
Thank you for your kind words and for remembering Mort as a true Reminisce fan.
Wayne, Barry, Rhonda, my condolences. Mort was a great man and will be remembered.
Barry & Vicky & The Kessler Family. My deepest sympathy to you all. Mort was such a colorful person and the world was a better place because of him. He was funny and energetic and genuinely an amazing man. He is at peace now He lived a wonderful life with family and friends that surrounded him and loved him so much and whom he loved in return. Truly a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed. Blessings to you all.
Dear Kessler Family, my deepest condolences on your profound loss. I was so sorry to learn of Mort’s passing. We had wonderful times together and I look fondly upon those memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Barbara. You brought out the best in my Dad.
Our sincere sympathy to all of you from the Joel and Licker families. May Morty rest in peace.
Love to all
Mort will be missed
His leadership of the men’s baking club at the Kosher Senior Cafe’ will never be forgotten
Please accept my condolences for your loss. Morty was always kind to me.
Sincerely,
Reba Golden
Thank you for remembering my Dad.
I am very sorry to learn that Mort had passed away. My condolences to the Kessler Family for your loss.
Barry, Vicky and Kessler family and friends.
We are so sorry for the loss of such a great man. Enjoyed chatting with him at many Reminisce events.
May he rest in peace.
Thank you for your kind words. He looked forward to seeing you at the Reminisce shows and enjoyed your friendship.
We enjoyed spending time with Morty at the Senior Cafe. He will be missed.
May he Rest In Peace.
Thank you Billy for your kind words. Mort spoke often of the Senior Cafe and the good times he shared with you.
Our deepest sympathy to our cousins Barry, Wayne, Rhonda and Lori and all Kessler family and friends. Morty will always be
remembered to us as a kind and positive man who loved his family. We will miss him.
To Wayne and all the Kessler Family. My condolences on the loss of a True and Faithful Brother.
Sorry to here about the passing of Morty. Condolences to family and friends.
Thank you Gerry for your kind words.
Our sincere condolences to the Kessler family.