Jack Kissel

It only takes one smile to offer welcome, and

Blessed is the person who will share it.

It only takes one moment to be helpful, and

Blessed be the person who will spare it.

It only takes one joy to lift a spirit, and

Blessed be the person who will give it.

It only takes one life to make a difference, and

Blessed be the person who will live it. (Amanda Bradley)

Rev. Jack Kissel, 95, who was quick to smile, to help others, to lift a spirit, and to make a difference in the world for Jesus, came to Southeast Texas from the Syracuse, NY, area in 2022 to reside with family. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 8, 2026.

Jack was born on August 24, 1930, in Jersey Shore, PA, to John and Elizabeth Herritt Kissel. Years later the family moved to Elmira, NY, where Jack and his siblings (Joan and James Keith Kissel) were raised. As a child Jack saw how important the Christian faith was to his parents, and as an adult realized that being raised in a Christian home was the greatest gift his parents gave him. In high school Jack was a wrestler and a star quarterback on the football team. After high school he played a year of semi-pro football before enlisting in the US Navy during the Korean War.

While in the Navy Jack sensed God calling him to pastoral ministry. So, after receiving an honorable discharge, he began preparing for ministry at West Virginia Wesleyan College. During his senior year Jack married the registered nurse, Beverly Ann Snyder, he'd been pursuing ever since they met during summer church camp at Casowasco.

Upon graduation from West Virginia Wesleyan, Jack and Beverly moved to Boston, where Jack continued his studies at the Boston University School of Theology. During his years at Boston University Jack served a church in Berlin, NH. And that's where he and Beverly began their family. First with a daughter, Kathy. Then a son, Kevin. When Jack graduated from Boston with a Master of Divinity degree, he and Beverly and their growing family moved back to Upstate NY. They soon had their third child, Kriss, as they continued their life of ministry in numerous churches across the Finger Lakes Region.

Striving to keep their church life and family life in balance, Jack and Beverly took their children on many adventures through the years. In addition to mission trips, they took them on vacations and camping trips nearby home in the Finger Lakes, and in places from Maine to Virginia to Arizona, and many places in between. Jack and Beverly wanted their children to understand there was a big, beautiful world out there to be discovered. More than anything else, though, they wanted their children to understand they loved and served a big, beautiful God! That was the greatest gift they gave their children. They introduced them to Jesus and raised them in a Christian home.

While busy with pastoral duties, Jack always found additional ways to serve the communities he was in. He brought a spiritual dimension to many, many local organizations through the years, and was always ready to serve as a chaplain for local fire departments, police departments, sheriff departments, veteran organizations, and more. And every step of the way Beverly served alongside Jack until her death in 1988.

Years later Jack married Dolores Young Wiser, who became another partner in ministry during his final decade in the pulpit.

Anyone who knew Jack knew about his love for people. It was so obvious. You could see it in his smile, hear it in his laugh, feel it his kindness, in his generosity, in his compassionate servant heart, and in his passionate preaching. Jack was 80 when he retired from pastoral ministry. By then he'd served a dozen churches over the course of 50-plus years in ministry.

On April 8, 2026, Jesus welcomed Jack into his eternal home, probably with a smile, a big hug, and the words: "Well done good and faithful servant... enter the joy of your Master." (Matt. 25:21)

Survivors include his children: Kathy Wade and husband Marshall of Venice Center, NY; Kevin and wife Karen of Buna, TX; Kriss and wife Jennifer of Fulton, NY. Grandchildren RJ Ellison and wife Annie of Waterloo, NY; Patrick Ellison and wife Sarah of Gates, NY; Emily Patterson and husband Blake of Lumberton, TX; Elizabeth Masteller of New Bern, NC; Mark Kissel and wife Ali of West Columbia, TX; Christian Kissel and wife Kristin of Jamesville, NY; Anthony Goss of Fulton, NY; Sebastian Jack Kissel of Fulton, NY; Dusty Wheeler and wife Melissa of Buna, TX; Jon Wheeler of Buna TX; Dustin Wade and wife Stephanie of Weedsport NY; Patrick Wade of Austerlitz NY. And numerous great and great, great grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth Kissel, his sister Joan South, his brother James Keith Kissel, his wife Beverly Snyder Kissel, and his wife Dolores Young Kissel.

A worship service to celebrate Jack's life will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at New Hope Methodist Church, 3703 State Rt. 41A, Moravia, NY 13118.

Memorials gifts may be given to New Hope Methodist Church, 3703 State Rt. 41A, Moravia, NY 13118.