Obituary of Bernie Kessel

Bernie Kessel, 83, of Peabody, passed away early Friday morning, surrounded by family and friends, following a lengthy illness. He was the loving husband of Mrs. June Kessel, whom he shared 40 years of marriage with. Besides his wife, he is survived by his six children: Daniel Kessel and his wife Jeannie of Middleton, Sarah Kessel of Peabody, David Kessel of Winthrop, Shawn Smith and his wife Lori of Peabody, Bryan Smith of Lynnfield, and Kerri Mogavero and her husband Scott of Peabody. “Zayde” cherished time spent with his 14 grandchildren and recently became a great-grandfather. Bernie is survived by his younger brother, Robert Kessel, of Santa Monica, CA, and predeceased by his older brother George Kessel. He was born in Winthrop on August 23, 1932 to Charlie and Celia Kessel. Bernie grew up in Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School. He continued his studies at Columbia University in New York City before joining the Army during the Korean War. Bernie was best known as an entertainer. A talented actor and singer, he was part of many plays and performance groups throughout the years. Since he was 13, he was devoted to singing in temple on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. A past president of the Winthrop Players and member of the Lynnfield Spotlighters, he also acted in the Summer Stock events in Concord, NH. His favorite role was Santa Claus, which he played at many community and family events during his free time. The performance that most impacted him was a production of "Fiddler on the Roof", where he first met June. Bernie was an avid chess player, pool player, and history fanatic. He loved to read books of every subject and was especially fond of show tunes. He was a passionate member of various barbershop quartets and choruses. In his later years, he would frequently be seen at the ticket booth of Peabody High's drama club, Stage One. Bernie's big smile, big appetite, big personality, and big heart will be missed by all who love him. Following cremation, a Memorial visitation for Bernie will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. His funeral services will be private. Expression of sympathy can be made in his name to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923.