Charles "Chuck" Frederick Kessler

Charles Frederick Kessler, 88, of Johnstown, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024. Chuck was born on Feb. 28, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio to the late John and Lola (Boyer) Kessler. He was a graduate of Linden-McKinley High School and attended Capital University, where he was a 1958 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education. Chuck continued his education later by earning his master’s degree from Xavier University. While at Capital, he excelled in football and basketball, and was a member of the inaugural class of inductees to the Capital University Athletic Hall of Fame.

After graduation from Capital, Chuck came to Johnstown where he committed over 30 years to the Johnstown-Monroe School District. Chuck spent his career teaching in the classroom; coaching on the fields and in the gym; he became assistant principal and then high-school principal; and ultimately served as the superintendent of Johnstown-Monroe School District. From there, he served as Licking County assistant superintendent, and then completed his career in education working for the Ohio Department of Education.

In all, Chuck dedicated 51 years to his life’s work in the noble profession of education. During his influential career, he shaped minds, nurtured potential, inspired others, and molded generations of students. He was dedicated to making an impact on young people’s lives as a teacher, coach, mentor, and administrator. For his dedication and competitive success as a high school coach (basketball, football, and baseball), he was inducted into the Johnstown Athletic Hall of Fame and the Licking County Coaches Hall of Fame.

Chuck remained active in his later years with landscaping, having breakfast with old classmates and friends, and supporting his grandchildren’s activities. He was an intense competitor who loved sports, and he was a passionate supporter of his sons’ and grandsons’ athletic endeavors. He also remained engaged in the community and with Johnstown schools, assuming the role of historian and archivist for the history of Johnstown Basketball, staying close to current issues in education, and attending School Board meetings to listen, learn, and share perspective for current Board members and leaders.

While Chuck had an indelible impact on the lives of many, his greatest impact was on his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Kessler. They married in 1958 and came to Johnstown where they became lifelong residents of the community, and collectively committed 60 years to the Johnstown-Monroe School District. Chuck is also loved and survived by his two sons, Jeff (Kim) and John (Shellie); grandchildren, Lindsay (Jeff) Pollack, Matthew (Nattada), Daniel (Sarah), Michael (Cassandra), and Drew (Jessica); and seven great-grandchildren. Chuck’s passion for education, athletics, and music will leave an enduring impression on his entire family and everyone he touched.

A memorial gathering for Chuck will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Johnstown United Methodist Church, 159 S. Main St., Johnstown, Ohio 43031, immediately followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers and to celebrate both Chuck and Pat’s commitment to education, contributions can be made to the Charles & Patricia Kessler Scholarship Fund. This is a foundation established to award college scholarships to Johnstown High School graduates who aspire to be teachers and major in education. Chuck was honored to attend the presentation of the two inaugural scholarships, awarded during the 2024 JHS Graduation ceremonies.

Contributions may be made to:

Charles & Patricia Kessler Scholarship Fund

PO Box 264, Johnstown, OH 43031