Donald Kessel

Don was born on August 19, 1945 to Donald E. Kessel and Elizabeth Jean Kessel of Jeannette, PA. He graduated from Jeannette High School in 1963 and then went on to graduate in 1967 from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Upon graduating, Don proudly served our Country in the United States Army as an Infantryman. He patrolled the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in support of the Republic of Korea and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army Expeditionary Medal, the Expert Infantry Badge and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Following his military service, Donald pursued a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He worked for Price Waterhouse in Taipei, Taiwan and went on to establish his own CPA firm in Murrysville, PA. Don was active in several organizations as treasurer and volunteered his time at Franklin Area Athletic Association and Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church.

In August of 1967, Don married the love of his life, Drema Lee Poole. Don and Drema met as teenagers while he was a lifeguard at Oakford Park Pool in his hometown. They were gifted with three wonderful children: Courtney, Adam and Brittany.

Don was self-employed for over 40 years before selling his business and retiring to Ocean Isle Beach NC with his wife Drema in 2016. He enjoyed spending time at the beach with his family and continued to cheer on his two favorite teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Penn State Nittany Lions. He loved tennis, racquetball, skiing, linocut printing, stained glass construction and keeping in contact with Phi Gamma Delta brothers,. One of his favorite activities was attending all sports and activities of his children.

Don was predeceased by his parents Donald and Elizabeth Kessel. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Drema L. Kessel; children Courtney Kessel and husband Cullen of Athens, OH; Adam Kessel and wife Florence of Hampstead, NC, Brittany Kessel of Wilmington, DE; and his five grandchildren whom he adored, Adam, Chloe, Jackson, Samuel, and Kealey.

Service and interment will take place in May 2025 at the Veteran’s Memorial Reef in Wilmington, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship, In Memory of Donald K. Kessel at the following link: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Give/Donate-Online/Donate-Now?CashProductId=134416