Murray Kessler

Murray Alvin Kessler, 86, of Lakewood died Jan. 26, 2014. Born in the Bronx, he moved to Asbury Park and then Trenton and back to Asbury Park before living in Long Branch for many years. He moved to Lakewood 14 years ago.

Dr. Kessler practiced pediatrics for many years in Long Branch and later in Freehold. He began studying allergy and immunology as the field began to develop in the 1960s, eventually becoming board certified. He practiced in both offices until his retirement in 2000.

He graduated from Trenton Central High School when he was 16, despite losing six months of schooling earlier in his life when he had a stroke at age seven. He graduated from Rutgers Pharmacy School at age 19 and from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, at age 23. He completed his internship and residency training in pediatrics at Beth Israel Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital in New York City and at St. Michael’s Hospital in Newark.

When he was younger, he contributed time and effort to help with the development of the State of Israel. He was a member of B’nai B’rith for many years, and was involved with United Jewish Appeal, chairing a physicians’ committee at one point. He was a Life Master at Bridge, and continued to play bridge until the last year of his life.

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He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis; two sons, Rabbi Joel (Arleen) Kessler of Williamsport, Pa., and Dan (Marlene) Kessler of Owings Mills, Md.; his daughter, Connie (David) Hirsh of New Albany, Ohio; and six grandchildren.

Services were held Jan. 29 with arrangements by Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, Ocean. Memorial contributions may be made to support Israel, B’nai B’rith, or Anti-Defamation League.