Walter Kiessling

Walter Kiessling, 93 of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on June 16th, 2023.

Walt was born in Newark, NJ, to his parents Walter and Helena Kiessling and moved to Asbury Park, NJ, when he was in grade school.  He graduated from Asbury Park HS in 1947.  After high school, Walt served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Korean war and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After returning home from the service, Walt met the love of his life Sandra on the beach in Asbury Park, and they were married in 1956. They raised their family in their home of over 40 years in Loch Arbour, NJ.

Walt was employed at Jersey Central Power and Light, and worked there for over 42 years.  After retiring, Walt and Sandra moved to the Renaissance community in Manchester, and then moved to the Charlotte, NC, area in 2019.

Walt was a loving, devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather.  He was a volunteer fireman for the Allenhurst Fire Department for over 25 years, serving as their Chief in 1974.  He served his community on the Board of Commissioners in Loch Arbour.  He was an active member of the Atonement Lutheran Church in Asbury Park.  He also coached Little League in Ocean Township, where his children attended school.

Walt loved all sports, especially basketball, bowling, and baseball, and followed his beloved Mets and Giants.  He was even known to watch one baseball game on TV while listening to another game on the radio.  He also loved playing golf, pinochle, and poker.

Walt is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sandra; his three children: Chris and his wife, Sarah, Groton, MA; Steven and his wife Marci, Piscataway, NJ; Diane Tastet and her husband Bill, Fort Mill, SC; and cherished grandchildren Rachel, Lauren, Matthew, Skyler, and Devon.  He was predeceased by his brother, Ernie, in 2022.

Family and home were Walt’s center. He was loved by all who met him, and he will be sorely missed.  There will be a small private family gathering to celebrate his long life.  Interment will be at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens in Rock Hill, SC.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Walt’s memory may be made to the Allenhurst Fire Department and First Aid Squad.