Roger John Kriessler, formerly of West Chester

Roger John Kriessler of Hayesville, NC, formerly of Brooksville, FL, Fearrington, NC, West Chester, PA, and Pompton Lakes and Hoboken, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Jan. 27, 2017. He was 99 years old.

Born in Hoboken in 1917, Roger was the second son of August and Caroline Kriessler. Roger was a Hemphill Institute graduate in Diesel Engineering and attended American Management Assoc. studies related to finance, personnel relations and labor relations. He served 13 years, both regular and reserve, in the US Navy. He fought in WWII in North Africa and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was a member of the American Legion. His resume included Transportation Supervisor for TransArabian Pipeline, Aramco, in Saudi Arabia, Director of Maintenance for Nu-Car Carriers, and Vice-President of Operations for Matlack, Inc. (West Chester, PA) and Rollins Leasing Corp. (Wilmington, DE). A past member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Equipment Maintenance Council and National Tank Truck Council, Roger was a frequent speaker at transportation industry meetings, trade associations and university seminars, including Duke University’s MBA program. He had a passion for travel which took him throughout the USA, as well as to many countries throughout the world. After retirement, Roger enjoyed consulting, traveling, golfing and gardening. He become a Master Gardener and attended North Carolina State in the Horticulture Department. He spent many hours at the extension office, as well as the NC Botanical Gardens, answering calls and discussing plant, grass and crop concerns with visitors. He was a familiar sight at the local Catholic Church doing volunteer work.

Roger was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Raymond and Chester, a twin sister, Helen, as well as his beloved daughter, Suzanne. He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Virginia, daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Roger Cousins of Hayesville, NC , grandson, Brian (wife Mary) Sheller of West Chester, PA, grandson, Richard Sheller, Jr. and son-in-law, Richard Sheller, Sr. of Downingtown, PA, great grandchildren, Dylan, Michael and Ashley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

A viewing was held at Ivie Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. A Funeral Mass, followed by military honors, was held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hayesville, NC. Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

Donations may be made in his memory to Catholic Charities and to Union General Hospital, Blairsville, GA.