Ralph J. Kessel, 78 of Gettysburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Janet K. (Black) Kessel; together they shared 19 years of marriage.

Born September 10, 1939 in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Ralph and Dorothy (Myers) Kessel.

Ralph served in the United States Navy as a Radiotelegraph operator from 1956 to 1959.  He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and playing golf.

In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by his children, a son, Brian R. Kessel and his wife Tina of East Berlin, a daughter, Dorothy Rehmeyer and her companion Chris Dull of Shippensburg, step-daughter, Tammy Knox and her companion Richard Walker of Orrtanna, step-son, Ted Shaffer of Gettysburg, step-daughter, Trena Shaffer and her companion Kevin Schade of Summerdale, step-daughter, Tonya Shaffer of Gettysburg; three brothers, Terry Kessel and his wife Sandy of Gardners, Robert Kessel and his wife Deb of Orrtanna, Tom Kessel and his wife Linda of East Berlin; a sister, Pat Maus of Gettysburg; eight step-grandchildren; eight step-great grandchildren; four nieces and five nephews .  Ralph was predeceased in death by a daughter, Tina Lou Kessel and a brother Michael Kessel.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Memorial contributions can be made in Ralph's memory to Asera Care Hospice, 984 Loucks Road, Suite 1, York, PA  17404.

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Ralph J. Kessel Memorial Video