David Kenneth "Dave" Kessler

David "Dave" Kessler, 78, of Temperance, was born on September 26,1947 to Kenneth and Virginia Kessler. He passed away peacefully on Aug 3rd, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dave was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy was the family he built. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Diane (Szych); his three children, Lisa (Kevin) Carnicom , Steven (Stacey), and Scott (Danielle); seven grandchildren, Kendra (Ben) Evans, Brian (Jena) Kessler,  Kylie (Trent) Swindeman, Kade (Cassidy) Carnicom, Alexa Kessler, Aidan Kessler and Jack Kessler; two great-grandchildren, Haris Evans and Vivien Carnicom; and one precious great-granddaughter who is expected to arrive soon. His family was the center of his life, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them.

Dave dedicated his career to serving his community as a Toledo firefighter, a profession he truly loved. He was well known at the fire station not only for his commitment and courage but also as the station's chef. His meals brought firefighters together and created lasting memories around the table. After retiring, he compiled many of his favorite fire station recipes, along with family favorites, into a cookbook that will continue to bring comfort and joy to those who knew him.

Dave and his family were avid boaters, and some of his happiest memories were made on the water. He spent his early years at the family's cottage on Kelly Lake, where his lifelong love of boating began. In later years, he enjoyed countless summers on Lake Erie, often spending weeks at Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island with family and friends. His passion for boating eventually led him to a career at Bush Marine in Point Place, where he enjoyed working alongside fellow boaters and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for life on the water.

During his children's years in youth sports, Dave proudly served as president of the Shoreland Firebirds Booster Club for many years. He was devoted not only to supporting his own children but also the countless young athletes throughout the community. Through his leadership, dedication, and countless hours of volunteer service, he helped create lasting memories, built lifelong friendships, and strengthened a program that enriched the lives of generations of children and their families.

A lifelong lover of history, Dave developed a passion for genealogy. Through years of research, he carefully traced his family's roots back centuries, creating a remarkable record of his family's heritage that will be treasured for generations to come.

In his free time, Dave enjoyed searching for hidden treasures at garage sales, escaping to Florida during the winter months, and spending autumn weekends exploring fall festivals with his wife. Perhaps more than anything, Dave loved people. It seemed impossible for him to go anywhere without running into someone he knew. Whether it was an old friend, a former coworker, or someone he had just met, Dave could strike up a conversation that lasted for hours. His warm smile, friendly nature, and genuine interest in others made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Dave will be remembered for his generous heart, his sense of humor, his dedication to helping others, and the countless lives he touched through his service, friendships, and love of family. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the meals he prepared, the family history he preserved, and the many memories he created with those he loved.

Dave is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sister Linda Hoffman, Sister-in-Law Barbara Varnes. He is preceded in death by his parents. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Dave's final days. They would also like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers from Home Instead, for the kindness, dignity, and exceptional care they provided. Your compassion brought comfort not only to Dave but to his entire family.

Dave will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 5, from 4-8 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd., with the Last Alarm Service at 7 p.m.  Funeral services will begin Thursday at 9:15 a.m. in the funeral home and continue with the Funeral Mass in Regina Coeli Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery, Sylvania.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider the Toledo Firefighters Museum, 918 West Sylvania Ave Toledo, Ohio 43612; Heartland Hospice, 1070 N Monroe St Suite B, Monroe, Michigan 48162; or St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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