Charles R. Keesler Sr.

Charles Robert Keesler Sr, patriarch of the Keesler family, left this earth on August 30th, 2022, to start his next journey. He passed away at his home in East Worcester New York, with 85 fulfilling years of memories, from Verplanck to the Catskills.

He is survived by his three children, Charles [and Barbara,] their children Kate, Chelsea, and Hunter (Charles III,) Vicky Keesler, her children Diane, Nichole and Arin, and James Keesler, his children Rhys and Jay; as well as great grandchildren Hera, Chase, James and N­­­ylah.

Charles was born in 1937 to George and Stella Keesler. He is one of ten siblings- George, James, Fred, Leonard, Richard, Thomas, Barbara, Carol, and Joan.  In 1961 he married the love of his life, Daphne Diane Corsa, and shared 31 years of marriage before she passed away in 1992. Charlie worked for the VA in Montrose for 30 years, followed by 15 years in the Croton-Harmon School district, driving the school bus. ‘Pop’ will be lovingly remembered by so many for his lawn mower and small engine repair service.

Charles served in the Army National Guard and US Air Force. He was a lifetime member of New York State Fire Chief’s Association, Verplanck Fire Department Ex-Chief, Westchester County Volunteer Fire Association, Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association, New York State Conservation Council, and Honorary Member Sheriff’s Association.

Charles was an avid outdoorsman and was a bow-hunting instructor for the NYS DEC for 30 years. He was also a member of the NRA and NYS Rifle and Pistol Association. With his adoration of the outdoors, he inspired his children and grandchildren to explore, enjoy and respect nature and its gifts.

Charles, Charlie, Pop, Poppy will be remembered by his sense of humor, his vast collection of machinery, hankies in his pocket, his love of cake and desserts, his morning coffee and newspaper runs, and the list goes on. He will live on through us all.

A wake will be held at O’Mara & Carpentieri Funeral Home in Verplanck on Friday September 2, 2022, from 4-8pm. A funeral ceremony will follow on Saturday September 3 at O’Mara & Carpentieri Funeral Home at 10am, followed by burial at Hillside Cemetery, in Cortlandt Manor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles R. Keesler Sr., please visit our floral store.