Obituary for James F. "Ness" Nessler
GENEVA- On Thursday, December 22, 2022, James (Ness) F. Nessler, 74, unexpectedly passed away peacefully at his home in Geneva, NY.
Friends may call on Friday, January 13, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McGuigan Bero Funeral Home, 45 High Street, Geneva. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery with full military honors in the spring.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to American Legion Department of New York/Child Welfare Fund or Nester Hose Company.
James was born in Geneva on November 1, 1948, to the late George and Kathryn (McCormick) Nessler. He graduated from DeSales High School in 1966 and enrolled in Corning Community College. In 1969, Ness enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base. He served his country during the Vietnam Era until his honorable discharge in 1971. While serving in the Navy he met his wife, Rena (Pemberton), whom he married on October 16th, 1976.
Ness was member of UA Local 13 in Rochester, NY where he was a Steamfitter, Pipefitter working for various companies until his retirement in 2003.
Ness was a life member of the Nester Hose Company of the Geneva Fire Department where he had just recently achieved 50 years of membership. While a member of the Nester Hose, he held a few different positions, including Recording Secretary from 1983 – 1991. Ness was also a life member of the American Legion Winnek Post 396. He is a Past Commander of Post 396 as well as a Past Commander of Ontario County. He served on different committees within the Post, including Bell Jar and was the current Boys State Director for 7th District American Legion. Ness was also a member of Squadron #396 Sons of the American Legion and Unit #396 Auxiliary. Ness was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 272 of Geneva, and a life member DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Ness loved spending time with his family and could usually be found with a camera in his hands at the ready to take a snapshot of that moment in time. At home, he could usually be seen trying to solve a crossword, playing a game of Hearts on his laptop, or trying to sort thru his thousands of photos.
Ness is survived by his wife, Rena; his children, Kate (Dan) of Penn Yan, Gina of St. Albans, VT, and Justin (Valerie Kahn) of Dansville. Grandchildren: Alaina & Alyssa of Penn Yan; Wyatt, Sierra & Zoey of St. Albans, VT; Emma & Camryn of Dansville. Nieces and Nephews: Mike (Mary) Cook, Cathy (Jim) Fowler, John (Julie) Cook, Mary (MaryEllen) Cook, and Danny (Beth) Lynch, and his sister-in-law, Kathleen (Mel Lockwood) Heikke. Several great, and great-great nieces and nephews & a host of cousins.
Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne & Richard Cook, brother and sister-in-law, T. Peter & Mary Elaine Lynch.
For tributes and condolences to the family, please visit; www.mcguiganberofuneralhome.com
Friends may call on Friday, January 13, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McGuigan Bero Funeral Home, 45 High Street, Geneva. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery with full military honors in the spring.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to American Legion Department of New York/Child Welfare Fund or Nester Hose Company.
James was born in Geneva on November 1, 1948, to the late George and Kathryn (McCormick) Nessler. He graduated from DeSales High School in 1966 and enrolled in Corning Community College. In 1969, Ness enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base. He served his country during the Vietnam Era until his honorable discharge in 1971. While serving in the Navy he met his wife, Rena (Pemberton), whom he married on October 16th, 1976.
Ness was member of UA Local 13 in Rochester, NY where he was a Steamfitter, Pipefitter working for various companies until his retirement in 2003.
Ness was a life member of the Nester Hose Company of the Geneva Fire Department where he had just recently achieved 50 years of membership. While a member of the Nester Hose, he held a few different positions, including Recording Secretary from 1983 – 1991. Ness was also a life member of the American Legion Winnek Post 396. He is a Past Commander of Post 396 as well as a Past Commander of Ontario County. He served on different committees within the Post, including Bell Jar and was the current Boys State Director for 7th District American Legion. Ness was also a member of Squadron #396 Sons of the American Legion and Unit #396 Auxiliary. Ness was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 272 of Geneva, and a life member DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Ness loved spending time with his family and could usually be found with a camera in his hands at the ready to take a snapshot of that moment in time. At home, he could usually be seen trying to solve a crossword, playing a game of Hearts on his laptop, or trying to sort thru his thousands of photos.
Ness is survived by his wife, Rena; his children, Kate (Dan) of Penn Yan, Gina of St. Albans, VT, and Justin (Valerie Kahn) of Dansville. Grandchildren: Alaina & Alyssa of Penn Yan; Wyatt, Sierra & Zoey of St. Albans, VT; Emma & Camryn of Dansville. Nieces and Nephews: Mike (Mary) Cook, Cathy (Jim) Fowler, John (Julie) Cook, Mary (MaryEllen) Cook, and Danny (Beth) Lynch, and his sister-in-law, Kathleen (Mel Lockwood) Heikke. Several great, and great-great nieces and nephews & a host of cousins.
Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne & Richard Cook, brother and sister-in-law, T. Peter & Mary Elaine Lynch.
For tributes and condolences to the family, please visit; www.mcguiganberofuneralhome.com