William Berret Kessler Jr

William Berret Kessler Jr., known to family and friends as Bill, lived a long, thoughtful, and consequential life defined by intellectual discipline, professional excellence, service to his country, and an abiding love for his family. He passed away leaving behind a legacy that spans generations and reflects a life lived with purpose, integrity, and devotion.

Bill was born on January 12, 1938, in Montgomery, Alabama, to William Berret Kessler and Martha Robins Nettles Kessler. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong curiosity about the world and a natural inclination toward structure, learning, and responsibility. His formal education began at Miss Buckaloo’s Bluebird School, continued through Bellinger Hill Elementary School, Cloverdale Junior High School, and Baldwin Junior High School, and culminated with his graduation from Sidney Lanier High School in May 1955. He was proud of his education and often reflected on the teachers, mentors, and friends who helped shape his foundational years.

That dedication to learning led Bill to the Virginia Military Institute, where he entered the Electrical Engineering program in 1955. He graduated in June 1959 as a member of the VMI Class of 1959. Recognized for both his academic ability and character, he was invited by Major General William H. Milton, then Superintendent of VMI, to remain an additional year to teach in the Electrical Engineering Department. Bill accepted, working alongside respected faculty before beginning his military service.

In June 1960, Bill entered active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. His nearly nine years of service were marked by increasing levels of responsibility and technical complexity. Through the Air Force Institute of Technology, he pursued graduate study and earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1964. He was subsequently assigned to Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base, where he became deeply involved in advanced systems engineering programs. His work contributed meaningfully to the Overland Radar Technology Program, which helped establish the technical foundation for the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)—a capability that remains vital to U.S. and allied air operations. Bill concluded his Air Force service in January 1969, proud of having served his country during a pivotal era of technological advancement and national defense.

Following military service, Bill began a distinguished civilian career with Hughes Aircraft Company in February 1969. Over the next three decades, he worked through periods of tremendous technological growth and organizational change, remaining with Hughes, then GM Hughes Electronics, and later Raytheon. His contributions to radar systems engineering—including critical work on the F‑15 radar program—were marked by rigor, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to integrity. Colleagues respected him for his deep technical knowledge, collaborative leadership, and calm, principled decision‑making. Even after retiring on November 1, 1999, Bill continued to serve as a consultant until April 2010, a testament to both his expertise and his desire to keep contributing meaningfully.

As significant as his professional achievements were, Bill considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family. He was the father of four children: William Mitchell “Mitch” Kessler, Elizabeth Ann Kessler Rector, Lisa Marie Kessler D’Ambrosio, and William Berret Kessler III. He was deeply proud of each of them and followed their lives with genuine interest, respect, and unconditional support. He often expressed gratitude for the devotion of their mothers and took quiet satisfaction in seeing his children lead healthy, productive, and meaningful lives.

Bill was also a devoted and proud grandfather and great grandfather. He was delighted by and followed news of his grandchildren: Katie Kessler, Annie Kessler, Alex Rector, Ben Rector, Drew D’Ambrosio, Anthony D’Ambrosio and Kate D’Ambrosio and his great grandchildren Arthur Bernstein, Camilla D’Ambrosia, and Hallie Rector. He followed their lives closely, finding joy in their growth, accomplishments, and individuality.

Later in life, Bill turned thoughtfully toward reflection and writing. After his 75th birthday, he began writing his autobiography, motivated not by self‑promotion but by a desire to document history, capture lessons learned, and preserve context for future generations. His writing reflected humility, intellectual honesty, gratitude, and perspective—qualities that defined him throughout his life.

Those who knew William Berret Kessler Jr. will remember him as a man of principle, intelligence, steadiness, and quiet strength. He believed deeply in preparation, honesty, service, and lifelong learning. He measured success not only by professional achievement, but by family, friendships, and the enduring value of work done well and lives lived responsibly.

He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy lives on in the people he loved, the work he advanced, and the example he set of a life lived with purpose, dignity, and grace.

He is survived by his brother, William Ingram, his sister, Carolyn Trimble, his many cousins, nieces and nephews, and of course his children, William Mitchell Kessler, Elizabeth Ann Kessler Rector, Lisa Marie Kessler D’Ambrosio, and William Berret Kessler III. He will be joining his wife of 48 years, Mary Kathryn Faron Kessler, along with his brother, Hubert Kessler, and his many other family members and friends in The Lord's heavenly kingdom.

His service will be held at the Miramar National Cemetery at 11:15am on Wednesday, May 6th. The ceremony will be followed by a celebration of life reception with time and location to be determined.