Peter J. Ressler, 85, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Sunday June 11, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family.
Born on March 26, 1932 in Danville, PA and raised in Shamokin, he was the son of the late William H. and Marian Dengler (Kistler) Ressler.
Peter was a Commander in the US-Navy Air Force who served during the Vietnam War. He was a recently retired, and highly respected, business, estate and real estate attorney and partner with the law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside in Harrisburg. Always willing to share his taxation legal expertise, he was an Adjunct Professor for Dickinson College where he was honored with the Edward C First Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award. He was a member of the Amy Heritage Center Board and served on the Dickinson College Board of Overseers. Peter was one of the founding partners and Board Secretary of the former Commerce Bank (Metro), and founder of the Dauphin County Tax Group. Former chairman of the Central Pennsylvania Allied Arts Fund, and member of the Investment Advisory Committee of the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, Peter was committed to bettering the Central Pennsylvania community. He contributed countless time and resources to local non-profit and professional organizations and was an avid fisherman, sportsman and Penn State fan.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kathryn Rae Ressler, of Mechanicsburg; two sons, Peter J. Ressler, Jr. and his wife Kristie, of Philadelphia and Paul D. Ressler and his girlfriend, Geri Ackerman of Enola; a daughter, Kirsten Brash and her husband Julian, of New Jersey; two sisters, Patsy Grafius, of Arizona, and Louise R. Faust, of Minnesota; five grandchildren, Olivia, Leo, Sam, L.P., and Will.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, William H. and John K. Ressler; and a brother-in-law, Guy Grafius.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday June 16, 2017 in Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, with Rev. Donald Wahlig officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church. Burial with military honors will be held in Fort Indiantown Gap national cemetery, Annville, at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (112 Sipe Ave, Hummelstown, PA 17036), the Army Heritage Center, and the Foundation for Enhancing Communities. www.myers-harner.com.