Charles Bissler

Mass of Christian Burial for Charles A. Bissler, 93, will be on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:30 AM at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury. Mr. Bissler passed away on Saturday. He lived in Newbury, previously residing in Mentor.

Charles was born on May 21, 1922 in Garfield Heights. Charles was a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran, Pearl Harbor survivor and an aeronautical test pilot. Following the war, Charles attended Case Western Reserve University for his medical degree, which he left before finishing to take care of his wife and family.  He worked as an engineer for NASA and was crew chief on the team that developed the first wind turbine.  Charles was an avid church goer, a member of the American Legion in Newbury and the Knights of Columbus in Newbury. He also belonged to the Chardon Senior Center, where he enjoyed wood carving.  Charles will be remembered as a big-hearted person who was always helping everyone, even giving up medical school to take care of his family.  He will be missed for his selfless, loving and caring nature.

He is survived by his children Marsha Meeker Bijiou and Charles A., Jr (wife Cheryl); grandchildren James Meeker, Taylor Meeker-Nielsen, and Chelsea Bissler; brother James (wife Marianne),sister Genevieve Seymour and sister-in-law Bernice Bissler.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Martha (nee Nakoneczny), and siblings Edward (wife Ethel), Robert Bissler and Eleanor Blair (husband Harold).

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Charles at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Crematory of Chardon (formerly Ritondaro) 126 South St. (Rt. 44, south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square) Friday 4-8 PM.  Burial will follow the Mass in All Saints Cemetery.  Family suggests contributions be made in Charles’ memory to St. Jude Research Hospital PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN  38148.