Robert Kiesel

Robert Joseph Kiesel, husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend died peacefully at his home in San Diego, CA, on November 26, 2018, at the age of 84. He was the beloved husband of wife, Maryann Elizabeth Murray Kiesel, who he was married to for 59 wonderful years. Robert, fondly known to family and friends as Bob, will be dearly missed by his five grateful children and their families:
Robert Kiesel, Jr., of San Diego, CA, Jim Kiesel (Debbie) of Marietta, GA, Angel King (Kim) of Rutherfordton, NC, Larry Kiesel (Donna) of Millstone, NJ, and Martin Kiesel (Stephanie) of San Diego, CA. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Christy Kiesel Fabre (Scott), Heidi Kiesel Clark (Dustin), Taylor McInnis, David King, Mackenzie Kiesel, Nicholas Kiesel, and the anticipated arrival of two great-grandchildren. Robert is also survived by his older brother, Lawrence Anthony Kiesel, of Alexandria, VA.

Robert was born on May 10, 1934, in Hempstead, New York, to Anthony and Justine Angela Kiesel. He grew up on the family farm on Long Island and spent many happy summers at their beach cottage on Long Island Sound in Bayville, NY. Robert enjoyed a more than 40-year career as a research and quality control chemist, primarily at GAF/ISP, after earning his Bachelors degree, Masters degree, and Ph.D. from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, and later completing his post-doctorate at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Robert and wife, Maryann, raised their five children in Chester, NJ, becoming long-time, faithful members of St. Joseph’s Parish in Mendham. He was very active in a variety of community activities including the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of America, and Little League. Robert enjoyed planting a vegetable garden each summer, fishing, traveling, reading historical and mystery novels, supporting his favorite sports’ teams and bowling. While living in San Diego over the past 10 years, Robert was a faithful member of both St. Mary Magdalene Church and the Mission San Diego de Alcala.

Friends and family members describe Robert as a family-centered, gentle, patient, generous and loving man. He will always live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, December 2, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Featheringill Mortuary, 6322 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA, and the funeral service will be held Monday, December 3, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mission San Diego de Alcala, 10818 San Diego Mission Rd., San Diego, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Robert Kiesel’s name. (c/o Deborah Heart and Lung Center, 200 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 or www.deborahfoundation.org)