Charles “Poppy” Kiesel, 90, passed away on September 13, 2024, after a brave battle with cancer.
Charlie was born the youngest of five children to Caroline and Charles Kiesel in Westbury, NY, on November 17, 1933.
He is survived by his sister Dorothy Rogoza; his children Holly (Paul) Cirello and Steven (Kellie) Kiesel; his caregiver Betsy Faucher; his grandchildren Kate Cirello (Sam), Brianna (Corwin) Acker, Octavian Kiesel, and their families.
He is predeceased by his wife JoAnn Watson Kiesel, his parents Caroline and Charles Kiesel, and his sisters: Agnes Lehner, Alice Kiesel, and Mary Palermo.
In his younger years Charlie spent time on the family farm where he developed the same amazing “green thumb” that his father possessed. This marked the beginning of a lifetime passion for growing vegetables.
After high school Charlie worked for Double Day Publishing and later Bulova Watch before being drafted into the US Army. Charlie completed his basic training at Fort Ord in California and then was stationed in Germany. After completing his service, Charlie returned home to Long Island and spent many years doing landscaping and construction.
While living in Long Island he met the love of his life and future wife JoAnn Watson. They married in 1964 and moved to Seaford, NY, where they lived on the water and enjoyed spending time on their boat. They also enjoyed their country retreat which they built in Oxford, NY, that would later become their forever home. Their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Holly, and shortly after their son, Steven.
While in Oxford, Charlie worked for Raymond Corp. and Ford Homes.
Charlie has always been community minded, and he proved that over and over again with his long list of community work. Some of which included: Oxford Commissioner of Boy Scouts, Oxford Commissioner of Little League Baseball, St Joseph’s Eucharistic Minister, Odyssey of the Mind Regional, State, and World Judge; and helped with the startup of Pumpkin Shell Nursery School.
Over time Charlie became better known as Poppy, especially with the children whom his daughter and granddaughter taught. He loved assisting with creative school projects.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Behe Funeral Home Inc. A private funeral will be held Friday, September 20th followed by burial at Riverview Cemetery in Oxford, NY. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the Primary School STEAM Room so that Poppy can continue to support project-based learning activities for the students in Oxford. Donations may be made to Oxford Academy (with note for PS STEAM Program) and sent to OACS - PO Box 92, Oxford, NY 13830. Friends and family can share memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.