Alan Kessler Obituary
August 21, 1950 - September 5, 2025
Alan Lee Kessler passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, surrounded by loved ones in his adopted home of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He is dearly missed by his family: Susan Solz; brother Harold and Melinda Kessler; children Ingrid, Noah, and Sam Kessler; and grandchildren, Alana and Benjamin Curley. And by those he loved as his own, nephew Robert Kessler; niece Erin Kessler and Young Chiang; Zachary and Marissa Adams; Jared Adams; Simone and Anthony Leo; and James and Adelaide Leo.
Alan grew up in Rockville Centre, New York, where he attended Oceanside High School. An accomplished gymnast, he specialized in rings and the pommel horse. He also picked up the saxophone and clarinet with ease, inspiring a lifelong love of music, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Alan continued his education at Northeastern University where, a true child of the Summer of Love, he led rallies against the atrocities of the war in Vietnam and attended the legendary Woodstock Music and Art Fair.
Later moving to Sweden, Alan picked up his first camera and began to capture images later published by the Associated Press from his world travels. Alan's lifelong passion for photography took him to a great many heights: serving as President of the PhotoImaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association, winning awards from the American Jewish Committee, and using his artistic ability and knack for creative marketing to build his own camera equipment company, Phoenix. Over a 50 year career in the photography industry, Alan spent significant time in Asia and knew every camera shop owner across the U.S.
At home, Alan was a devoted father, teaching his kids to swim and ride bikes, passing on his love for music, and always providing a warm welcome home. He was the fun uncle and grandfather, introducing new generations to Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon; his Donald Duck impression and seafood boils are Kessler family legend.
Alan's other true passion was for the Dallas Cowboys, who he stood by in good times and in bad. And he was well accomplished in the kitchen, always perfecting the recipes for old family favorites. Pumpkin pie will never taste the same.
Alan recently picked up trivia and bocce with Susan; the two spent many evenings enjoying live music and food trucks in Lakewood Ranch. Alan lived a full life and never wavered on the morals he picked up in his hippie years: that everyone deserved a fair shot and that any injustice is too many.
Alan will be laid to rest in a private ceremony for family. Loved ones can honor Alan's memory with donations to the Amyloidosis Foundation (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/?key=amyfound) or Amyloidosis Research Consortium (https://donate.arci.org/campaign/701370/donate).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joan Ambrosio
October 14, 2025
I only just learned of Alan's death and wanted to send his family my deepest condolences. We knew each other several years ago and had maintained periodic phone contact over the years. It was when we spoke a few months ago, he told me of his illness. I did not realize it would be so soon...
Alan's ability to maintain such positive relationships with probably most, if not all of the people in his life, was a true attribute of his, along with his kindness, sense of humor and sensitivity. I know he was a very good and loving father and an excellent role model for his children. I am so glad that he found his partner and together they shared their lives in their new home in Florida. I am sure we will all remember Alan, who was a devoted father, a good friend and a truly a Mench! Love to you Alan~
Joan Ambrosio
Sharon Margulies Tunkel
September 10, 2025
Ingrid
So very sorry for your loss. Many hugs to you and your whole family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Jyoti Panjwani
September 9, 2025
Extremely sorry for your loss, Ingrid! Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers for strength to you and your whole family!
Danny Wong
September 9, 2025
Our deepest condolences. My wife and I had the pleasure of working with him in Edison, NJ around 2011 - 2013. He was the nicest, sweetest man that made the place bearable. He was always funny and chill at work, and ready to help, surely one of the best memories for us at that company.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
David
September 8, 2025
I had the honor of working with Alan for over 8 years and considered him not just a colleague but a great friend. With a sharp wit, encyclopedic joke catalog, and perpetually warm and gracious personality, Alan brought depth and honesty to every interaction. He was absolutely thrilled to be retiring to Florida and told everyone daily about the exciting updates on the progress of his new home. I wish, deeply, that he had had more time to enjoy his retirement years with Susan and the rest of his family. Still, I am very glad he got the time that he did. He deserved every second of it.
Marisol Sanchez
September 8, 2025
Our heartfelt sympathy! from the Hope's Door Board of Directors
Susan solz
September 7, 2025
Robin Kvisler
September 7, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences <3 So unexpected and he had so much more to give.
I will never forget him for as long as I live cherishing especially the memory of visiting and staying with him in Long Island, New York , when I was younger. He welcomed me and my friend into his warm home like we were family showing what a loving person he was.
I know you are in a better place and you will live on in the heart of all of us that had the fortune to have had you in our lives <3
Chapsie
September 6, 2025
Chapsie misses you sweetheart
Susan Solz
September 6, 2025
He was the love of my life. I miss him so much but I know he is in peace and pain free. You showed me what love is about. So happy you had 10 fantastic months in Lakewood Ranch in our beautiful home. Thank you for loving me. Love you "always and forever" Susan
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Alan Kessler's name
How to support Alan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Alan Kessler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
