LTC George Kesnig, 96, and Clair (Kelley) Kesnig, his wife, 91, both passed away peacefully surrounded by their children on 3/13/24 and 3/14/24, respectively, just 21 hours apart. They were blessed to be able to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on February 20, 2024 with most of their family in attendance.
George served 24 years in the United States Army and served on active duty in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded three Air Metals, the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, and many other awards. In Korea, at the Chosin Reservoir, he served in the only Army battalion which assisted the Marines, now known as the Frozen Chosin. He flew 85 missions in a small unarmed plane with only his pistol by his side. He was in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division, serving as the G3, and was the Division Nuclear Weapons Officer. He later joined General Westmoreland in Saigon as the Inspector General. During his military career, he was stationed in Maine, Germany, Oklahoma, and Hawaii. His final assignment was as the Active Duty Army Advisor to the New Jersey Army National Guard in Cape May Courthouse NJ. Following his military career, George managed Chi Chi’s Restaurant in Somers Point NJ, and also served as the City’s Court Clerk. He enjoyed volunteering his time with the Somers Point Little League Association and was one of the founders of the Somers Point Sharks Football Association. He was also an active member of the Somers Point VFW, and American Legion.
Clair was an exemplary military wife who always held down the fort when George was deployed. She was an avid gardener, involved in the local PTA, and was the #1 carpool mom. Clair served nine years on the Somers Point City Council and achieved recognition as the Council President in Somers Point. She also served as the Liaison to the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders, Charter President of the Senior Citizens Advisory Board, and was the first woman President of the Atlantic County League of Municipalities. Her most treasured accomplishment though was her family which she was extremely proud of.
George and Clair are survived by their four children: Sherril Kelly: Cindy (Timothy) Donovan: Charles Kesnig: and Roxanne (Michael) Callahan. In addition, they were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with two additional ones on the way.
A joint burial service for George and Clair will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in their honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Gary Sinise Foundation.
They spent a lifetime together here on Earth: now an eternity together in Heaven.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Reading, PA, and Shinn Funeral Home, Manahawkin, NJ. Condolences may be left at www.johnpfeeney.com
