Sam Kessler's Obituary
Remembering Sam Kessler
We are saddened to announce the passing of Sam Kessler, a remarkable family man, decorated WWII hero. multi-sport champion, and successful businessman. He was one week shy of his 101st birthday.
Sam passed away peacefully, in his home in Boynton Beach, Florida, on October 15th, leaving behind a sister, four children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Sam Kessler was born in the border region of Poland and Germany in 1923. He immigrated to the U.S. as a 6-year old, passing through Ellis Island on August 19, 1929 and settling with his family in a one-bedroom apartment above the storefront shoe repair.
In 1936 his father passed away, leaving the family impoverished. After two years at Brooklyn College, Sam enrolled in the Army’s Engineering, Science, Management Defense Training Program, which prepared engineers for the war effort. He entered the Army Air Corp as a radio operator on B-24 heavy bombers, and saw action with the 8th Army Aircorp, flying out of RAF Attlebridge, England. In the waning months of the war, Sam flew 9 missions and reached the rank of Staff Sargent.
On only his second mission, on February 20, 1945, he parachuted to safety after his aircraft, the "Pale Ale," crashed in BAD weather over Belgium on its way to Nuremburg. His chute snagged on a cathedral spire, but fate and a kind-hearted local saved him.
Following the war, Sam hoped to continue his role in electronics in the private sector, but instead found himself starting a luggage business with a partner in Summit, NJ—then meeting, falling in love with and marrying Miriam (Mimi) Seide, his loving wife for the next 66 years. Sam was not only a Jewish War Veteran, but also a man of faith, with strong ties to the Jewish communities in New Jersey and Florida. He was one of the founders of the Summit Jewish Community Center in 1951.
Just as Sam was a successful luggage business owner and manufacturer, he was also a multi-sports champion in golf, bowling — and ping pong during his war years. But his real love remained with his wife and family. Sam always found the time to teach his children to ride bikes, attend little League, mentor them in the family business and see them through graduations.
Sam and Mimi moved full-time to Florida in 1995. Mimi passed away in 2014. For the next ten years without his partner, he remained a very involved father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Sam lived to celebrate one of his happiest occasions, a 100th birthday party, with his family in Boynton Beach, in October 2023.
What’s your fondest memory of Sam?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sam?
Share a story where Sam's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sam you’ll never forget.
How did Sam make you smile?