Michael Jay Kessler

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Michael Kessler on April 25, 2025, in Round Rock, Texas, from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. This condition developed after he contracted COVID pneumonia in 2021, as his prior battle with CLL (a type of lymphoma) had left him immunocompromised despite his COVID vaccinations. Michael leaves behind a legacy of love, curiosity, and lifelong learning that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 29, 1942, Michael grew up with fond memories of his coastal hometown—riding the jitney for just five cents, fishing on the Oriental Avenue jetty, and watching Miss America Pageant floats park in front of his family home on Massachusetts Avenue. His early fascination with meteorology, though a "missed opportunity for a future career" as he would later reflect, was indicative of his curious mind and analytical thinking that would serve him throughout his life. He fondly remembered his father's Connecticut Avenue firehouse, sliding down the fire pole as a little boy, and later his father's promotion to Captain.

Michael was a proud graduate of Atlantic City High School (1960) and Stevens Institute of Technology, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and Master of Science in Mathematics in 1966. His academic journey was marked by a moment of transformation when, after struggling with calculus in high school, he experienced the "light going on" at Stevens, where calculus became his easiest course for three semesters—a testament to his analytical mind and perseverance.

It was during his senior year at Stevens when he met the love of his life, Ann, at a Jewish Fellowship dance in the fall of 1963. Their meeting, which Michael humorously recounted involved them both in the ladies' restroom (disposing of melted ice from a party), blossomed into a romance that would last a lifetime. He often recalled their early dates, including their trip to the 1964 World's Fair in New York and a visit to Atlantic City where he purchased a gold friendship ring with diamond chips that would become Ann's wedding ring. They married on April 3, 1966, beginning a partnership filled with love, respect, and shared adventures that would span 59 years.

Michael's professional career in computing spanned over four decades, beginning when the field was in its infancy. After working summers at his Uncle Pat's Sub Shop in Atlantic City, he embarked on a distinguished career that included positions at Computer Control Company, Stevens Institute of Technology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Control Data Corporation, Power Computing Company, and several others. His expertise in FORTRAN programming and system optimization allowed him to solve complex technical problems that often stumped others. A particularly notable achievement came while working at Control Data Corporation, where he solved a programming design flaw at Bechtel Corporation in just one hour—a problem that had stumped their engineers for over a week. His technical acumen at the US Patent Office was also remarkable, as he successfully managed the transition of their critical systems between vendors, ensuring the office could continue functioning smoothly during complex contractual changes.

Michael was a devoted father to his sons, Kevin and Simeon, whom he often said he "looked up to" despite the typical family progression being the reverse. He took immense pride in their technical expertise and achievements, and was amused that despite refusing his suggestion to pursue computing careers, they both excelled in the field. He was a loving grandfather to Sophie, Esme, Leah, and Mateo, delighting in their accomplishments and personalities. Michael had a passion for photography, taking great joy in capturing family moments, creating detailed photo albums, and producing thoughtful slide shows—especially of his beloved grandchildren and his travels with Ann.

In 2007, Michael and Ann relocated to Sun City in Georgetown, Texas, a move they considered "an outstanding decision." There, Michael embraced community life—serving as a block captain for eight years, becoming active in Congregation Havurah Shalom (CHS), learning new games like Pickleball, Texas 42, and Mah Jongg, and joining a men's Poker group that brought him weekly joy. He and Ann formed lasting friendships that enriched their retirement years.

Among Michael's favorites were the music of John Denver (particularly "Annie's Song"), Peter, Paul & Mary ("Where Have All The Flowers Gone"), Chris Thile ("Ode To A Butterfly"), and Neil Diamond ("We"). He enjoyed the Kingston Trio's "Run The Ridges" and Roy Orbison's "Oh Pretty Woman." He was an avid reader of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon and Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear series. He relished watching Rachel Maddow's show, Outlander, Hallmark Channel romance movies, and Texas Rangers baseball games. He had a lifelong appreciation for great food, particularly from White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, Klein's Fish Market in Belmar, NJ, the now-defunct Clam Broth House in Hoboken, and Gino's Italian Restaurant in Round Rock.

Michael was a proud member of Congregation Havurah Shalom (CHS), which played an important role in his life. His commitment to community and education led him to serve on multiple committees, including the Membership Committee and the Communications Committee, where he applied his computer skills as webmaster. Michael embraced lifelong learning, taking up new games and activities in retirement including Pickleball, Texas 42, Pegs & Jokers, RummiKub, Mah Jongg, bowling, and poker. The weekly men's poker group brought him particular joy and camaraderie that he treasured.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife Ann; sons Kevin and Simeon; grandchildren Leah, Sophie, Esme, and Mateo; his sister Gerry; nephews Joe and Rick and their families; sister-in-law Rosie and her family; and numerous friends and extended family who were touched by his kindness, intelligence, and warm sense of humor. He often expressed how fortunate he felt to have such a close and loving family, saying of his sons: "I am immensely impressed with Kevin and Simeon. I wonder from where they inherited their expertise. The typical family progression is for children to look up to their parents. However, with both, I look up to them."

Michael lived a full and purposeful life defined by his love of family, dedication to learning, and genuine interest in others. His legacy of warmth, wisdom, and wit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. As he reminisced in his own writings, the move to Sun City with Ann brought them both wonderful friendships and experiences in their golden years. It was there that Michael continued to share his talents and build connections that enriched not only his life but the lives of all those around him.