SESSLER, Nicholas Eugene (Nick), 68, a United States Air Force Veteran, passed away on May 02, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Joseph Sessler and Irene Mary Morowski Sessler and his niece, Jessica Fries. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeri DeCarlo Sessler; and his loving children, Brian Sessler, Michael Sessler, and Nicole Sessler (Simmons); grandchildren, Kayla, Tyler, Sophia, Aevri, Donovan, and Riley; great-grandson, Isaiah; brother, Ronald Sessler; and sister, Valerie Sessler (William) Fries; niece Keri Fries; and nephew, Denny Fries. Nick served two tours of duty in Vietnam between 1968 and 1971, serving as a Para-rescue Jumper (PJ) for much of his time in the country, rescuing pilots who were shot down. He received the Air Medal for his service in the field. On the days he wasn’t scheduled to fly, Nick served on the airbase fire department in Thailand, specializing in Aircraft Crash and Rescue. After his discharge from active duty, Nick continued his career as an EMT Paramedic in the Chicago area. He eventually returned as a civilian DOD firefighter first to Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest, Illinois and ultimately to the Air Force National Guard Base Fire Department stationed at O’Hare International Airport, Chicago IL, through 1989, where a severe injury ended his career in the Fire Department. On Friday, May 17, 2019, from 11:30 AM until 12:00 PM, family and friends will gather at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 West Bell Road, Surprise, Arizona. The Arizona Patriot Guard Riders (APGR) will conduct a Circle of Honor Ceremony at 12:00 PM. A Committal Service with Honors will be held on Friday, May 17, 2019, at 1:30 PM, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona. To sign the guestbook online and to share memories, and send condolences and well-wishes to the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.com.
