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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Frank Kesselman

Frank Kesselman departed this world on December 28, 2023 at the age of 86.  He resided in Hockessin, Delaware with his wife, Gayle Kesselman of 30 years.  He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1937.  He resided in Hockessin, Delaware for the past 30 years.

He will be sadly missed and his legacy will live on through his family; Ira Kesselman, Edward and Bernadette Kesselman, Harvey and Lynn Kesselman, Marty and Jamie Kesselman, Lillian and Phillip Slogoff-Sevilla, Katherine Randall, Lawrence Kesselman, David, Nicole, Jake and Cody DeLancey. Lastly, but not least, his loving wife Gayle Kesselman.

Frank was well remembered for his contribution to the Naaman’s Little League. Coaching was a passion for him and the children loved him. He was the head coach for Occidental Life and achieved multiple winning seasons.

He was a proud carrier of the Olympic torch in 1984.  He was an avid tennis player for many years.

Frank attended Wagner College majoring in accounting. He quickly proved himself to be successful in the life insurance business. He ended up being a branch manager of one of the top ten Transamerica agencies and was well known in the industry.  Frank had tremendous drive and had a very successful career.

Frank was a warm, caring, intelligent man who never turned down anyone’s request for help.  He was known for his generosity.   He was frequently seen showing his love, patience and compassion for his dear son, Ira.  He always had a smile on his face and will always be fondly remembered and loved by all who knew him.

Funeral Services

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday January 3, 2023 at 11am at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.  Friends are invited to call upon the family beginning at 10am. Interment will follow the service at the Jewish Community Cemetery.

Condolences

    Heather Yaeger lit a candle and writes,
    So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Gayle.
    12/31/2023 03:35 pm
    Arlene Smalls lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Gayle and the entire Kesselman family, Frank has always been such a large part of the Smalls family. Frank and my Dad, Lester have enjoyed many work adventures. They have also supported each other through many life challenges during their 40 year friendship and partnership. Sending sincere condolences during this sad time. Rest in Peace Frank Sincerely, Arlene Smalls
    12/31/2023 05:24 pm
    Nancy S. Roberts lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Gayle, We are broken hearted over Frank's death. He fought the good fight in his and your battle against his cancer. John & I have so many memories of our visits with both of you each time we came back east. We had such fun going to Karaoke and playing poker with both of you, and the few birthday parties we were able to attend. You were both so very kind and loving to us. Most of all we loved the visits with you both at your home. We got to know Frank so well during those visits. When you both visited us on your way home from you Colorado Dude Ranch vacation it was such a nice time. And how could we forget the harassment we go from Frank and John on our return a few hours after leaving to get your rented Tesla charged so you could get back to the Denver Airport. Frank just got that funny grin on his face and gently laughed at us. We wish we could be there with you to ease your pain and share happy memories with you. We will miss Frank and his easy kind ways. We have sent prayers to God to take Frank into his Loving Care and to help you through this great sorrow you are dealing with. We know you will wonder what ever will you do without him, so keep those who loved him with you as your heart will feel the pain of your loss and your home will seem empty with out him there with you. Know that we are only a phone call away if you need to cry, talk or just share your pain with someone. We Love You Nancy & John
    12/31/2023 05:28 pm
    Clive Taylor lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Gayle....so sorry for your news. I originally met Frank at a Transamerica Life convention about 40 plus years ago when I was a rookie agent from Canada and I was lost amongst all the big wigs from the US. That was until I was introduced to Frank who was warm and friendly and made me feel welcome and very much at home. That was Frank's way. A few conventions later is when Frank introduced me to Gayle and the rest is history...... Frank you were special to so many people and may you rest in peace!
    01/01/2024 09:47 am
    Lou Caruso and Irene writes,
    We were lucky to have Frank and Gayle as neighbors for many years. Frank was a very special person…kind and generous and funny. Frank made life brighter for everyone who had the privilege of meeting him.
    01/01/2024 12:53 pm
    Alice Silverman lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest heartfelt sympathy. ♥️
    01/01/2024 04:19 pm
    Bob and Kathy Gangaware lit a candle and writes,
    Thinking of you during this difficult time.
    01/02/2024 06:10 am
    Donna L. Wiedinmyer lit a candle and writes,
    Frank augmented my life in several ways. Frank was a persuasive insurance salesman with an ebullient personality. He helped us in our business creating Buy-Sell Agreements, etc. He was also instrumental in getting me to attend Lifespring where I met my beloved husband, Roy. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences go to his three children and their families. May God bless them all. Donna L. Wiedinmyer
    01/02/2024 11:11 am
    Inez Sunshine lit a candle and writes,
    You've been a friend for 60 years. We all started out in Devon together. A lot of water under the bridge since then. You will be missed, Rest in Peace, Old Friend.
    01/02/2024 03:40 pm
    Ashley Caldwell writes,
    What started out as a chance at a summer internship, back in 2013, turned out to be over a decade of being taught, guided, and loved by the greatest person I’ve ever met. Frank I absolutely adore you. Thank you for not just being my boss, but my family. You have literally watched me grow up and for that I am blessed. The way you loved my kids will never be forgotten. I will always remember to give them hugs from you! You will be greatly missed my dearest friend ❤️ my thoughts and prayers to the whole family
    01/02/2024 09:48 pm
    Christine Hartmann writes,
    Frank will be greatly missed by all! Ira loved his daddy and always looked forward to having lunch together or attending a family event. Ira has so many special memories created through these special outings with his daddy! Myself and the team at the Florence GH are deeply saddened by this news and will keep our thoughts and prayers with Ira and his family.
    01/03/2024 06:29 pm
    Nancy Fehling writes,
    Just found out. My sincere condolences to all of you.
    01/14/2025 02:53 pm

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