JOHNSTOWN — The Johnstown football team’s strong performance Thursday undoubtedly would have been a topic of discussion for anyone who stopped at the Dashing Diner Uptown next week.
The late Charles “Chuck” Kessler is no longer holding court, but he certainly would have been proud of the celebration of the Johnstown community during the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Jamboree game against West Muskingum. Kessler, a longtime administrator and an unofficial patriarch of the community, was lost in July, but his impact on those in attendance will be long lasting.
"When trying to assess the impact that Mr. Kessler has on the Johnstown schools and athletic programs, I always come back to the following: a friend, a leader, a mentor, a teacher and most of all, a caring individual with concern for others," said Don Harvey, a Johnstown graduate and life-long community supporter.
Kessler died July 26 at the age of 88. He grew up in Columbus and was a star athlete at Linden-McKinley and Capital University, but Johnstown quickly became his family’s home.
Kessler was a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and eventually superintendent at Johnstown. He and his late wife Patricia were married 65 years and had two sons, which have now turned into five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
“He will be very much missed, but with that, he left such a legacy,” football coach Mike Carter said after his team beat West Muskingum 7-0 in a half of play Thursday
“Every time we got the opportunity to talk with them, he was able to impart knowledge and wisdom," Carter added. "That helps in educational areas and in life, so we can continue to help these young people grow. What a fantastic person with a great family. My sympathy goes out to them. We truly loved that man.”
Kessler’s impact on Johnstown athletics was seen particularly on the basketball court. He was the program's longtime coach, and the Kessler name dots the record books as his son Jeff and grandson Daniel were two of the best scorers in program history, with Daniel leading the Johnnies to the Division III regional final in 2006.
Kessler continued to be a historian for the boys basketball program long after his retirement. He was a past inductee to the Johnstown Athletic Hall of Fame and Licking County League Hall of Fame.
"How fortunate it was to work under him as a principal and superintendent," said Carl Dufford, a former Johnstown teacher and basketball coach. "He brought out the best of all teachers. He challenged you to be better but never asked more than what you can handle. He shaped me a lot in the classroom and as a coach in basketball."
Harvey noted Kessler’s impact for those that came through the doors of the high school was immeasurable. Much of his impact came outside of the curriculum and why his legacy remains so powerful.
"Silently, Mr. Kessler assisted students struggling with academic deficiencies, financial issues, personal tragedies, not seeking notoriety or praise for doing so," Harvey said.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Johnstown's Carter praises legacy of late administrator Kessler
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