R’ Avrahom Kessler, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and member of the Chabad community in Morristown, NJ, passed away early Wednesday morning, Chai Elul, 5782.
He was 70, a few weeks shy of his 71st birthday.
He was surrounded by his wife and all of his loving children at home, in Morristown, NJ.
He was a devout chossid of the Rebbe and a talmid of Rabbi Sholom Ber Gordon z”l, who considered him to be a spiritual son.
Avrahom grew up in Maplewood, NJ and inspired his children, grandchildren and all those who knew him with his dedication and love for Hashem. With a life full of passion for Torah and Mitzvos, he strived to always be on a path of growth; “step by step, day by day.”
To know Avrahom, was to know what it means to have absolute faith that Hashem runs this world. When diagnosed with a terrible illness, it was clear to him that there was no other way to fight it than with Bitachon. When commented on his approach, he would respond, “Ivdu es Hashem b’simcha! This is what Hashem wants from us!” He embodied these words every day and was continuously energized by Torah and mitzvos. He inspired everyone who witnessed how strongly he handled this enormous challenge. Constantly impressing his medical team with his positive attitude, his doctor obviously felt the effect on his prognosis as noted in his medical chart, “We reviewed his treatment history. He and his wife/family have been tremendously resilient in this fighting journey.” He modeled this resiliency and in turn enabled his family to support him in the same regard.
He always took an interest in everyone he met with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or profession. He always made sure to share with others how much pride he had in his children and grandchildren. He would often state how wealthy he was with brachos and nachas from his family. His pintele Yid was evident to everyone who encountered him.
He was a firm believer that every person’s Jewish name is the essence of who they are and always called his children by the full name they were given.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Elka Malka, and leaves a great legacy of his 11 children and many grandchildren: Shmuel Yaakov (Cleveland), Hersch Leib “Herschel” (Atlanta), Esther Chana Grunblatt (New Haven), Liba Zisel Tevel (Crown Heights), Chaim Mordechai (Baltimore), Chaya Mushka Morris (Atlanta), Kayla Masha Bialo (North Miami Beach), Yitzchok Zev Volf “Yitzie” (Miami), Schneur Zalman “Zalmy” (New Haven), Menachem Mendel Chanoch “Mendy” (Atlanta) and Basya Rivka “Basie” (Crown Heights).
The Levaya will take place today, Wednesday, at Shomrei Hadas in Boro Park at 1 pm and passing by 770 at 2 pm.
2:45 burial at Old Montefiore Cemetery.
The family will be sitting Shiva at 37 Ralph Place in Morristown following the levaya. Additional Shiva information to follow.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
My heart goes out to the entire Kessler family and his dear wife Elka who fought the good fight.
Your friend from Maplewood, Arna
His steadfast belief in Hashem and the Rebbe was second to none.
Please make a shturem up there.
Sending love and prayers to the entire Kessler family.
My heart goes out to Elka and her beautiful family. May you be comforted among the mourners of Jerusalem and Zion. B’ahava, Hinda Dukes
Before my husband became frum his first wife said many negative things abt frum people, my husband worked at the Irs with Avraham who was the opposite of everything she said. He influenced menashe not by telling him what to do but just by living his life as a chossid of the Rebbe. Years later when my husband would go out on Shidduchim Elka would help him pick out what to wear. We haven’t been in contact for many years but Avrohom has always had a strong influence on Menashe. May the family be comforted with all the mourners in… Read more »
BDE
BDH May the Kesslet family be comforted with all the Mourners in Israel and Zion
so sorry Baruch Dayan Emes!!!!!
Will be severely missed in olam hasheker 🙁
To a vibrant wonderful family! Hamokom ….. Condolences