Raymond P. Kissel

Raymond P. Kissel, 92, lifelong resident of North Tonawanda, NY, passed away peacefully Sept. 5 at Erie County Medical Center. Throughout his life, Raymond was a loving and devoted father of Linda Collignon, Raymond J., Amy and Joseph. “Ray” will be remembered as a special education teacher at Niagara-Wheatfield High School, owner of Kissel & Sons Scrap Metal on River Road in NT, president of the NT School Board during the 1960s, president of the NT Library Board as well as serving in the Navy stationed at Brooklyn’s Navy Yard as a dental technician. He graduated from Buffalo State College with a master’s degree in teaching.

Throughout his life Ray enjoyed playing cards either at games in town or casinos, or later playing rummy and hearts with daughter Amy or cribbage with son-in-law Robert Collignon. Ray was known for taking his family on epic vacations including a camper journey across the country, a California-Hawaii-San Jose excursion as well as a January trip to Disney World that caused the family to miss Buffalo’s Blizzard of ’77.  Raymond was a loving grandfather of Robert Maxwell Collignon (Lauren George) and Isabella and Julian Kissel (mother Trina Mortensen Kissel), Hannah (Scott) Marshall and great-grandfather of Ivy and Mila Marshall.  Brother of James Kissel (Rita).  Former wife and dear friend Diane Kissel and sister-in-law Carole Kissel. Raymond was preceded in death by his brothers Robert and Leonard, his father Joseph and mother Valerie. 

A visitation will take place with the family Sun. Oct. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brunner Funeral Home, 156 Robinson St., NT 14120.  A memorial mass will take place 9:30 a.m. Mon. Oct. 7 at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 626 Oliver St., NT, with a military burial after at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Please join us to celebrate the life and lasting legacy of Raymond Kissel with his family who will all miss him dearly.