Robert Kessler, 95, of East Windsor Township died on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at Princeton Hospital at Plainsboro. He was born in Perrineville, New Jersey, and was a lifelong resident of the area. He attended Hightstown High School and later graduated with a Bachelors degree from Rutgers University.
He grew up on a farm where his family grew potatoes and tomatoes. In fact, he was known to many as “Tomato Bob”. He later founded Kessler Nurseries, supplying evergreen trees and shrubs to the greater New Jersey / New York area. He enjoyed playing tennis, and entertaining friends on his boat, the “Dig We Must”. He worked hard and enjoyed every day of his life.
Mr. Kessler’s father was a founding member of the First Hebrew Farmer’s Association in Perrineville, later known as Perrineville Jewish Center, which Mr. Kessler supported and where he attended services for over 90 years.
Surviving are his wife, Madeline Bernson Kessler; a son, Steven Kessler; a daughter, Susan Kessler; and two granddaughters, Sara and Samantha Castrale.
Funeral services will be held at the Perrineville Jewish Chapel, 755 Perrineville Road, Perrineville on Friday Nov. 10, 2017 followed by internment at the Perrineville Jewish Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Perrineville Jewish Center, PO Box 308, Perrineville, NJ 08535 would be appreciated. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold is in charge of arrangements.
