Richard P. Kiesinger, age 78, a resident of Wilmington for more than fifty years, passed away on February 11th with his family by his side at the Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston following a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Mary F. (Guzzetti) Kiesinger and together they shared 54 years of marriage. Born and raised in Altoona, PA he was the son of the late Philip G. and Vivian I. (Bitner) Kiesinger.
At the age of sixteen Richard moved with his family from Altoona, PA to Waltham where he finished high school. He soon enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. Upon his return home to civilian life he began his career with the Raytheon Corporation where he worked as a Design Engineer for almost forty years prior to his retirement. Mostly devoted to his family, Richard enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and especially his grandchildren. For many years he was active with the Boy Scouts and volunteered as an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 56 of Wilmington. Richard enjoyed staying active and current with many community affairs. He also enjoyed hunting, fresh water fishing and being outdoors.
In addition to his late parents, Richard is predeceased by his infant daughter, the late Laura Ann Kiesinger, and his sister, the late Carol Smith-Kiesinger.
He is survived by his wife Mary, a daughter, Joan M. Harvey and her husband Frank of Dracut, sons, James V. Kiesinger of Wilmington, Philip J. Kiesinger and his wife Deborah of Billerica. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Philip Kiesinger, Jr., twins Nicholas and Brandon Kiesinger, Alexandra, Richard and Colin Harvey.
Funeral services will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 374 Main St., WILMINGTON, Friday, February 17th, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Dorothy Church, Main St., Wilmington, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home will held on Thursday, February 16th, from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.