Vincent J. Kissel

Vincent Joseph Kissel, 92, died at William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida, on Friday, December 23, 2011. He was born in Amsterdam, NY, on May 27, 1919. He was the son of Nikodem Kisselus and Anna Luzonas. During World War II, Vincent served in the US Navy on the USS Marias, a Cimarron class fleet oiler. Vincent and his ship were part of many naval campaigns in the Pacific. He earned a silver star and two bronze stars. He obtained the rank of Machinist Mate 1st class, and received an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1945. Upon his return from the war, Vince got a job working for General Electric Corporation in Schenectady as a Boring Machine Operator. Vince met his future wife, Elsie Beatrice Connor, in Ballston Spa. They were married at St. Mary’s in Ballston Spa on February 2nd, 1946.

After marriage, Vincent and Elsie settled in Scotia, and raised 3 wonderful daughters: Patricia, Marilyn, and Kathleen. Vince was a parishioner at St. Josephs, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. All three daughters were great students, and graduated from college. Patricia studied to be a dentist, and enlisted in the Air Force. She specialized in Periodontistry. Marilyn studied finance, and graduated with a MBA. Kathy studied Mathematics, and became a successful high tech executive.

Vince retired from GE in 1986, and moved to Melbourne, Florida. While in Melbourne, Vince joined Ascension Catholic Church. Vince loved his church, and went every Sunday. Vince also loved to go to Panera’s for soup and sandwich.

Survivors include his wife, Elsie Kissel; his sister, Regina Lasky; his three daughters: Dr. Patricia Kissel-Shenk, Marilyn Fischer, and Kathy Kissel-Gilliom; and his three grandchildren: Brett Fischer, Holly Fischer, and Wyatt Fischer. They will all miss him.

Family and friends will meet on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 11 AM for a funeral mass at Ascension Catholic Church, 2950 North Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL. There will be a vigil and viewing starting at 10 AM at Ascension. At the end of the funeral mass, Vincent will receive full military honors. Donations can be made to the William Childs Hospice House. No flowers please.