Richard D Kessler

Richard D. Kessler, 94, of Berlin, formerly of Athol, MA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. He is survived by his wonderful, loving wife of 65 years, Bernice Kessler.

Richard was born on August 17, 1927 to the late Mervin and Edith (Young) Kessler. He was one of three children. He graduated from Mount Hermon Preparatory High School in 1946 and shortly after enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Following the Navy he met and married his best friend, Bernice, in 1957. Richard and Bernice moved to Marlborough in 1958, later moving to Berlin in 1961, where they’ve been lifelong residents.

Richard took on many roles working as a young boy at Athol Machine and Foundry alongside his father, who was the general manager at the time. He also worked for Athol Gas and Light company as a meter reader. Perhaps his interest in engineering grew from such experience and he went on to get a degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering. He was an Electrical Engineer at Raytheon, where he worked for over 37 years and undertook many responsibilities as a technical staff supervisor and mentor, contributing his savvy to many projects. He was fondly known as “Baron Von Kessler”. He was also awarded the “Tartar Achievement'' award at Raytheon for his dedication to his work.

Richard was a self taught polymath and a tinkerer who could fix anything.  He had a genuine knack for fixing such a broad range of things, including refrigerators, plumbing, building stonewalls, and repairing anything electric. He had a true thirst for life and enjoyed skiing, hiking, hunting and fishing in Rangeley, Maine. He was an avid gardener and very much enjoyed his cigars. A poet at heart; there wasn’t a conversation he had that didn’t end with him reciting poetry to anyone who listened.

Above all, aside from all of his accomplishments and achievements, he was a father to five children. He loved his family immensely and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He leaves behind his wife, Bernice (Ledoux) Kessler, 3 sons; Keith Kessler and his wife Joy, of Andover, Kurt Kessler of Berlin and Bill Kessler of Athol. He leaves behind 2 daughters Wendy Barry and her husband, Bob of Falmouth, Linda Clopeck and her husband John of Stow. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren; Jonathan, Andrew and Gregory Kessler; Bobby and David Barry; Matthew, Sarah and Mitchell Clopeck; David and Ksenia Kessler. He leaves behind 2 great grandchildren Townes and Reid Kessler. He also leaves behind 3 nieces Sara Kessler, Judy Lownes and Cindy Martin. He is predeceased by his parents, as well as a brother Woodrow Kessler and sister Dorothea Cowen.

His family wishes to thank all of the caretakers and the Berlin Rescue Squad for all of their sincere help and efforts over the years.

Funeral services will be held privately at the request of the family.