Lawrence Phillip Kessler

Larry Kessler of Lakewood Ranch, FL and formerly Pittsford, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 at the age of 79, just five days short of his 80th Birthday. He is survived by a devoted wife of 56 years, Marilyn Kessler (Salsbury); loving children, Michele Kessler (Travis Knotts) and Robin (Marc) Feocco; and six amazing grandchildren, Ally, Jake, Zach, Grayson,

Ryan and Brooke; sister, Judy (Dr. Robert) Scherr; brother, Dave (Pam Selway) Kessler.

He was predeceased by his cherished parents, Bernice and Max Kessler.

Larry was born in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic High School, and there he developed his love for engineering. He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in three years from the University of Maryland. He was also inducted into the Engineering Honorary Society. After college he worked at The United States Patent Office, and put himself through Law School at The American University at night, where he earned his J.D. Degree. He was a member of three Bar Associations: D.C., Connecticut and New York and was sworn in to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States. For 38 years, he worked at Eastman Kodak in their Patent/Legal Department. New innovations and inventions peaked his curiosity. One of his last roles in Rochester was as the Director of Nexpress Division of Kodak, a joint venture of Kodak and Heidelberg Press of Germany. For many years he served as the liaison for Kodak to the United Way of Rochester.

Golf was his favorite pastime. He was very proud of his "Hole in One." When he was not on the golf course, you could find him sailing and racing at the Yacht Club of Rochester. Being an avid sports fan, he truly enjoyed watching each of his grandchildren play and excel at their activities. He was their most enthusiastic cheerleader.

Over the years, he was a great advisor and mentor to all of his family and colleagues. Temple Beth El of Rochester played an important part of his spiritual life and community.

In 2007, he said "good-bye" to the snow and hello to the "sunshine" to be near family. His passions were world travel, collecting miniature trains, and building boat and plane models. Books and crossword puzzles kept him sharp. He was even known to complete crossword puzzles at record speeds.

Even though dementia robbed him of his memory, it did not steal his sense of humor. Nothing made him happier than his family and we will all truly miss him.

Funeral services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held in Tampa in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following organizations that touched our lives:

Bradenton Hospice House-Tidewell Hospice

2504 34th Avenue

West Bradenton, FL 34205

https://tidewellfoundation.org

JFCS of the Suncoast (Jewish Family & Children Service of the Suncoast)

2688 Fruitville Road

Sarasota, FL 34237

www.jfcs-cares.org

American Heart Association

www.heart.org