WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ- Monmouth University was saddened to learn of the passing of longtime friend, beloved alumnus, Trustee Emeritus and supporter of the University, John H. Kessler '69 on Wednesday November 24, 2021.
 
"Today Monmouth athletics has lost one of its own in John Kessler," said Director of Athletics Jeff Stapleton. "John, alongside his wife Henni, were fixtures at Monmouth athletic events for three-plus decades. His passion for Monmouth started when he suited up for the Hawks' baseball team during his undergraduate years and that experience fueled his generosity which continued up until his passing. While he was best known for being the catalyst for starting football at Monmouth, he was a supporter of many men's and women's programs at the University. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with Henni and the entire Kessler Family."
 
John earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Monmouth College in 1969. As a student, John was a proud member of the Phi Delta Sigma fraternity—a brotherhood that has remain connected—and involved in the baseball, basketball, and football programs. However, John's deepest Monmouth connection was his wife, Henni, who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1968. John and Henni wed in 1972.
 
Together, John and Henni remained deeply involved with the University throughout the years. John first joined the Board of Trustees in 1997, before being elected as Life Trustee in 2009, and Trustee Emeritus in 2016. 
 
John was a staunch supporter of Monmouth Athletics, serving as a founding member of the Touchdown Club—inaugural donors to Monmouth football. The Kesslers have supported the growth of Monmouth University through their generosity, including the athletics complex that bears their name—the Henni Kantor Kessler & John H. Kessler Stadium.
 
"Monmouth football has lost a very dear friend in John Kessler," said Monmouth Head Football Coach Kevin Callahan. "John's vision and energy made Division I football at Monmouth University a reality. His name is synonymous with Monmouth Football and will always be a member of the Hawk Family. Our thoughts are with Henni and the Kessler Family during this difficult time."
 
John began his career in 1970 as a financial advisor for J.B. Hanauer & Co., before rising to the position of chair and principal stock holder. In 2007, J.B. Hanauer was acquired by one of the largest wealth management firms in the country, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), where John continued to specialize in fixed-income portfolio management. In recognition for his professional accomplishments, John was appointed to the RBC Chairman's Council. Most recently, John served as Senior Vice President for the Kessler – Gisser Group at RBC.
 
For those of you who cannot attend the service but still wish to watch it, a stream is available here: https://www.tbj.org/streaming
 
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Monmouth in John's honor by way of the John H. Kessler Memorial Fund at www.monmouth.edu/JHK