HAVERHILL – Vincent M. Kissel, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, October 3 at the High Pointe House in Haverhill after complications following open heart surgery in May.
Vinny was born in Brooklyn, New York to Victor J. and Mary T. (Ambrozavitch) Kissel. He graduated from Haverhill Trade School in 1959 and went on to earn his Master Plumber license, in which he took great pride. For over 50 years Vinny worked for a variety of plumbing companies including Youngblood Plumbing & Heating, Walter Bonin Plumbing & Heating, and Kimball Mechanical. In the early 1980’s, he began working for Raytheon as a Master Plumber, retiring in 2002. Vinny served the city of Haverhill in a number of capacities including many years on the Board of Appeals, and more recently as a member of the Inspectional Services Department as the Plumbing Inspector for several years. He was a member of the local Elks Lodge and also supported Haverhill by contributing to the refurbishment and upkeep of the commemorative clock on Merrimack Street as well as sponsoring several Brightside planters in the city. Vinny was also a regular supporter of the Christmas parade and other Haverhill charities.
From an early age, Vinny was a talented athlete. He excelled in both basketball and baseball in high school and continued to play into adulthood, winning numerous citywide basketball free throw championships. He later took up racquetball and was a fierce competitor, winning various tournaments and multiple championships throughout the area. Vinny also ran in several marathons, including twice completing the Boston Marathon. He was an avid card player and looked forward to weekly 45’s matches with his condo neighbors and other friends. He also enjoyed outings to Foxwoods, Encore, and Oxford Casinos.
Vinny was married to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joyce, for over 55 years and will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an all-around great guy and a loyal friend who will be greatly missed by those he has left behind. Vinny is survived by his only son Michael P. and his wife Marie (Deshaies) Kissel, of Hampstead, NH, and his beloved grandson Mark A. Kissel, of Danville, NH. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law Kimberly Kissel, of Plaistow, NH, Irene MacAvoy, of Haverhill, and Patricia Goodrich, of Haverhill, a brother-in-law Bernard McDonald, of Kingston, NH, and dear friend Donna Mackey, of Haverhill, as well many as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Vinny was predeceased by his loving wife Joyce M. (Simard) Kissel, his sister Dorothy Kissel, his brothers Daniel Kissel and Philip Kissel, sister-in-law Donna McDonald, and his brothers-in-law Paul Goodrich and Alan MacAvoy.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Monday, October 9 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, October 10 at 11:00AM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery, 360 Primrose Street, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vincent’s memory to Ironstone Farm, 450 Lowell Street, Andover, MA 01810, an organization that he believed in and supported. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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Laurie lavallee says
October 5, 2023 at 6:34 pmWith Deepest Sympathy to Micheal and Family , So glad we got to visit Dad a couple of weeks ago his spirits were high and he was on a mission to get well, God and Auntie Joyce needed him more, Our Hearts at Broken ❤️May he rest in peace, Thank you Uncle Vinny for always the perfect Gentleman that you were… We Love You Claire, Laurie, Nelson
Lucinda says
October 6, 2023 at 1:52 amDear Michael and Marie
I cannot express how sad I am that Vinny’s quality of life resulted in his passing. Vinny was a super friend – beginning in high school and continuing on to the YMCA running and racquetball games. That is just about my lifetime of memories of a best and loyal friend. Vinny will not be forgotten! Many blessings, Lucinda
Milton H Taylor says
October 6, 2023 at 7:34 amMy sincerest condolences to the Kissel Family. Vinny you’re a good man! RIP
Bob Fountaine says
October 6, 2023 at 8:21 amMicheal and family,we are sorry to hear about Vinnie’s passing. He was a great friend and plumber.so sorry we cannot be there in person as we are out of country at the moment.Our deepest sympathies,Bob and Denise Fountaine
Ron Buccini says
October 8, 2023 at 11:58 pmMike and Family, so very sorry to hear about Vinnie. He was a great guy. Always enjoyed running into him and catching up on things over the years. He will be missed. Sincere condolences. Ron Buccini
Yvonne sarofian says
October 9, 2023 at 4:34 pmDear Mike and family,
We were shocked and saddened to know that that your father was so I’ll. Please accept our deepest sympathies your loss.. We loved Vinny. What a great personality and family man ! He will be missed in the community at large as well.
Sincerely,
Ron and Yvonne Sarofian
DEBRA STEWART says
October 10, 2023 at 1:59 pmMy heart is heavy when I found out about Vinnie’s passing. He was the kindest man I ever meet and will cherish the time I got to know him. He will forever be in my thoughts and prayers as well as leaving a lasting imprint on my heart. To his son Mike thank you so much for sharing your dad he was truly a special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Always Debra Stewart
James Rurak says
October 10, 2023 at 3:11 pmDear Michael and Family,
Vinny was an incredly shilled plumber. He used those skills not only to make a living but also to serve our community. He served the city while I was mayor and continued to do so right up to the present. He was always clear minded, no-nonsense, but most of all, fair and decent to the public.My sincerest condolences.
Jim Rurak
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