Carl Herbert Kesseli

Carl Herbert Kesseli, age 93, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care on the campus of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

He was born in Worcester MA on December 26, 1930 to Herbert Joseph and Marion (Turner) Kesseli. He attended Worcester public schools and graduated from Worcester Academy in 1950. He attended Springfield College until enlisting in the Coast Guard in January 1952. He served as a Radioman on cutters out of New York and Connecticut until his discharge in 1955.

On September 8, 1956 Carl married his life-long love Sally (Chapman) Kesseli. They lived for a number of years in Holden MA where they raised their three daughters.

Carl worked for his family’s business, Kesseli and Morse in Worcester MA for 17 years. He also served as the Resident Director at Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center until he and Sally relocated to Brewster MA on Cape Cod. Retirement brought another relocation to the Upper Valley of VT and NH - first to Woodstock VT and finally to West Lebanon NH.

Carl was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a trusted and loyal friend and a hard worker. He and Sally carefully chose a church to attend wherever they lived in New England. He served on many boards and committees and believed that supporting the mission of the church was an important part of his life.

Carl was predeceased by his parents and two brothers: Robert T and Philip B Kesseli. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Sally, his daughters Susan (Robert) Wyand of Claremont NH, Martha (David) Forgione of Oro Valley AZ and Paula Kesseli of Belmont MA. He is also survived by his brother John Kesseli of Gorham ME. He was so very proud of his grandchildren: Allyson, Dan, Kim, Joanna, Justin and Lauren. His two great-granddaughters Sienna and Summer were a precious gift.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care Carl received from the Ottauquechee Health Center in Woodstock VT as well as from a number of physicians at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. The staff of the Jack Byrne Center lovingly cared for Carl in his last days.

SERVICE NOTICE: A memorial service is planned for Saturday, December 14 at The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College at 11:00am with a reception to follow. Calling hours will be prior to the service from 10-11am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carl’s name may be made to The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, 40 College St, Hanover NH 03755 or to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care, 154 Hitchcock Loop Rd, Lebanon NH 03766.