Harry W. Keisler, Jr., 90, Former Chef

Written and submitted by Magner Funeral Home

Harry W. Keisler, Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2013 at the age of 90. Mr. Keisler was born in Norwalk on June 11, 1922 and attended Norwalk schools. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry W. Sr and Marguerite Brown Keisler, and a sister Beverly Keisler Ryan. He is survived by his brother in law, Vincent Ryan of Norwalk, cousins Joan Cook, Grace Kastel, Lois Trowbridge, Tom Howley and  Jack Howley and his St. Paul’s on the Green Church family. 

Mr. Keisler served North Africa in the Navy during World War II. Following the war, he worked as a “roustabout” traveling for two years with the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. Mr. Keisler was a chef at many fine restaurants for over forty years and ran the Tavern at the Westport Country Playhouse in the 1960’s. He was also an accomplished portrait artist and puppeteer. 

During his retirement he lived at Laura Raymond Homes for over 20 years. Mr. Keisler wishes to thank his many caregivers during his final years including the staff at the Wilton Meadows Care Center and St. Paul’s on the Green, especially: Dean Kaufman, Jose Rodriguez, Linda McKee McClellan, Lillian Revel, Tom Schierloh, Joan Schultz, the Reverend Cindy Stravers, Michael Mushak and David Westmoreland. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, Apr 23 at St. Paul’s on the Green Episcopal Church, 60 East Ave, with burial to follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk. His family will receive friends on Monday from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave, Norwalk. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. For info or directions, please go to:Magnerfuneralhome.com