Gregory Harold Kesseler
March 2, 1964 - February 9, 2023
Funeral Details: Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 6:30pm to 9:30pm A Celebration of Life will be held at The Aurora Armoury, 89 Mosley St., Aurora
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the transition of our sweet Greg Harold Kesseler back home to spirit. Greg put up a heroic gallant fight with cancer but was sadly called home sooner than expected. With the love of his life at his bedside, his soul exited his body February 9, 2023.
Greg had a strong and confident presence. He was a pillar of strength and positivity. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him can attest to his kind, compassionate heart and his ever willingness to assist anyone in need without question. Greg was a remarkable man.
Greg is survived by his cherished wife Janine Cavilla, his adored step-daughter Hollie (Joe), his admired grandchildren Brendon and Avery, his loved sister Karen (George), nephew Sean and mother (Regina) along with many cousins, in-laws, extended family and friends. Greg was predeceased by his father Casey Kesseler.
His inquisitive nature, leadership skills and his strong dedication to serving his community lead him to careers as a Paramedic, Restaurant owner, Vice President of Operations and Director of Operations of two different companies. He had recently retired and was offering his time to Doggieville, a successful doggy daycare, grooming, learning and wellness centre owned and operated by him and his wife.
He loved to spend his personal time playing hockey and golf with many of his closest friends. He also had a love for fishing, the Montreal Canadians and was an avid cook. Greg loved being a devoted grandpa and could often be found cheering at his grandchildren’s many sporting events. Greg’s pride and joy was his never ending love for his wife Janine. His priority was always her well being and happiness.
His light will be missed by all that knew him. We will cherish the memory and the imprint of his love until we meet again.
We know that Greg wouldn’t want us to grieve in sadness over his passing but rather celebrate with memories of the heartfelt connections and positive impact that he made on so many of us. With that in mind, we are honouring his wishes by hosting a Celebration of Life. We hope that you will join us in this celebration on Saturday February 18th, 6:30pm to 9:30pm, with memories shared at 8:00pm, at The Aurora Armoury, 89 Mosley Street, Aurora.
The family kindly requests that flower honourings be sent on Friday February 17th to The Aurora Armoury.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, in memory of Greg Kesseler.
Peaceful Transition York
Andrew Bonfante
Posted on: Monday, February 13, 2023Dear Janine, I was so very sorry to hear the sad news of Greg’s passing. I know a Facebook message may not be the best way of expressing sympathy but I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, and hopefully just knowing that people care will help you all through your grief.
I can’t begin to imagine how difficult this time must be for you all. I know how very much Greg was loved by you all. Although I only met him on a couple of my visits, I have good memories of him.
I know this loss will leave a great hole in your lives, and although you knew he was not well, nothing can really fully prepare you for this, but you can take solace in the knowledge that he can now rest in peace.
Time is a great healer and I hope that it will eventually soothe your grief.
I send my most sincere sympathy, condolences and love to you and the family.
Lots of love,
Andrew
Summer Filippopoulos
Posted on: Monday, February 13, 2023I always read Greg as the most thoughtful, caring and kind man. Grateful for the times we had together and for his mentorship during my teenage years!
His smile was always so pure and warming!
May his memory be eternal!
My condolences to the entire family and loving wife Janine.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Susan&Drew Zeran
Posted on: Monday, February 13, 2023I’m so sorry we will not be able to attend
Greg was such a wonderful positive person it has been a pleasure to have know him
Joe and Connie Ricupero
Posted on: Monday, February 13, 2023There are no words that can comfort you at this time, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Gregory was a wonderful man and he will be missed.
Joe and Connie Ricupero
Laura Stewart
Posted on: Tuesday, February 14, 2023I’m sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Greg for many years. He was an excellent leader and an even better friend.
I have many memories from my time with Greg, the ones that stand out the most for me are the screenshots and images he would share from his doggy daycare. He had the ability to know when you needed to see some furry friends.
Greg shared his life with his friends and for that I will forever be grateful to have known Greg and his family. Much love from the East Coast.
Albert Melo
Posted on: Tuesday, February 14, 2023My deepest condolences to the whole family. It is extremely sad and heartbreaking to see my friend go so soon.
May God give you strength and courage during this difficult time. It’s a huge loss to lose someone and especially so young. He was such a great person with high morals and principles who I admired and respected. He will be truly missed and remembered always. I truly had the pleasure to work along side this great man, his leadership and knowledge will aways be remembered and missed. Rest In Peace dear Greg.
Carole Findlay
Posted on: Tuesday, February 14, 2023We met Greg through Doggieville and one of our fondest memories of him was he could never master putting on our dog’s harness. It was something we all laughed about.
Greg was always smiling and happy. We had many great conversations and I can still hear him ask me “so how many doors?”. He was fun to talk to and always a gentleman.
I know you’re up there with your beloved big Myles ❤️.
All our love to you Janine, Hollie and the rest of the family at this very sad time xxx.
Carole, Heather and Spencer xxx
Belkis Doyle
Posted on: Tuesday, February 14, 2023My deepest condolences to the family. It is a heartbreaking loss. Greg was a very kind man and a amazing area manager. He will be missed from all of us.
I Remember when he used call the Restaurant and he used to say to me “Belkis , I can’t understand you” ( because of my accent), and I would laugh all the time.
I will cherish those good memories. Greg use to greet every single employee when he dropped by at our restaurant, talk to us. He asked if we had any feedback, and he would listen carefully and give his thoughts to us.
we will miss you 🙁
Belkis Doyle
Swiss1224.
Payman Janamian
Posted on: Tuesday, February 14, 2023My condolences to the family and our thoughts and prayers are with during this time. He was a true gentleman, great friend, caring and awesome colleague. Rest In Peace my friend.
Brian V
Posted on: Tuesday, February 14, 2023I am so sorry for your loss, and my deepest sympathies to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Greg. He was an excellent business development manager, and more importantly a great friend. He helped and encouraged me throughout my endeavors within the company. He was a selfless man, with a high spirit. He was a lovely person that will be deeply missed. Sending my prayers to the family.
Anisur Salim
Posted on: Wednesday, February 15, 2023My deepest condolences to Greg’s family. It’s hard to believe that the great leader & teacher is gone so soon. I always regarded Greg as the funniest, most thoughtful, and most caring person I’ve known. His smile was always so pure and warm! He loved to spend his personal time playing hockey every Wednesday, and golf with me & others on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, and I am grateful for the times we had during our years at Swiss Chalet. He was like a mentor to all of us. You will be missed.
Lauretta Brown-Hermanstyne
Posted on: Wednesday, February 15, 2023A gentle soul, well loved respected and appreciated by all who he interacted with at Swiss Chalet.Always willing to listen and assist with resolving issues,a friend ,a mentor, a man with high moral values and not only stand tall in statue but tall in values, morals and standard.Sincere condolences to his family,please find comfort in knowing Greg is resting safe and secure in the everlasting arms of his maker.May the pleasant memories and his brave spirit comfort you at his time. Rest in Peace Greg you will be forever in our hearts. (The Swiss1221 team.)
Robin Hayward
Posted on: Wednesday, February 15, 2023We would like to extend our sincere condolences for the loss of such a great man. Greg was such a great support to so many people and will be miss by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. Swiss Chalet 1906 in Tillsonburg would like his family to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Please stay strong, know that Greg is loved by so many people.
Swiss Chalet 1917
Posted on: Wednesday, February 15, 2023As a team we are deeply saddened to hear the news of Greg’s passing. He was a wonderful man and great leader. He lead by example and had a true heart for all he did. We wish his family great comfort during this time of loss and pain and God’s peace as you go forward in the days ahead.
Swiss Chalet team 1917.
Carol Gold
Posted on: Wednesday, February 15, 2023Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Janine and the family. Greg was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Ewa Gosik
Posted on: Wednesday, February 15, 2023On behalf of Swiss Chalet Leanne Blvd location, we would like to express our deepest condolences over the loss of Greg. He will always be fondly remembered by all of us as a great mentor and teacher, someone that always had a smile on his face and willing to lend a helping hand to any staff member. The cheesecake brownie that was added on the menus on Mother’s day, was such a huge success because of Greg. It was the most popular dessert that we still get asked about all of the time. We will always remember you whenever this dessert pops up again. Greg, you will never be forgotten and we will always have fond memories of you. Rest in peace.
Swiss Chalet 1223
Posted on: Wednesday, February 15, 2023Many members of our team did not have the pleasure of working with Greg but the individuals who did, knew that Greg was a great leader and an even greater person.
Although words will not take away the grief Greg’s family is feeling from the loss of such a great person, may this message bring comfort to his family during this difficult time.
Our sincerest condolences are with Greg’s entire family during this time. You will be missed dearly Greg, rest in peace.
Swiss Chalet 1223
David J Paddison
Posted on: Thursday, February 16, 2023I’m so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. I worked with him on several occasions out of 28 Stn but I haven’t seen him in years, the last time being at his new deli restaurant on Dufferin St. My wife and I were out in the west end for something else and I’d heard he’d recently opened up his new place so we dropped in to see how he was doing. It was lunch time and even though he was really busy he stopped what he was doing and took the time to give us a quick tour and then insisted on giving us lunch “on the house”. Truly just a great guy that’s gone far too soon…my sincere, heartfelt condolences to his wife, family.
Najia Wahidi
Posted on: Thursday, February 16, 2023Our sincerest condolences to Greg’s family at this time. We’re wishing you peace, comfort and unwavering support. Greg will always be remembered for his positiveness and friendly attitude. Rest In Peace Greg.
Swiss Chalet 1302
Larry Shanlian
Posted on: Thursday, February 16, 2023My deepest condolences and sympathies to Greg’s family during this difficult time. May God give you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
“ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”
2 Timothy 4:7-8.
Chantal Louisy
Posted on: Thursday, February 16, 2023We are so sorry for your loss; our deepest condolences to the family. Greg was such a kind soul, a true leader and a great business development manager. Over the past years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Greg and learned so much from him. Greg will for sure be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May he rest in peace. (TeamSwiss1111)
Magdalena Kolber
Posted on: Friday, February 17, 2023My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Greg was such a great person and without a doubt the best leader.
He was always so kind and had respect for everyone he met in our restaurant .
Always took the time to listen and acknowledge everyone, from a dishwasher, servers to managers .
He will be so missed always. His smile and presence will never be forgotten .
No more pain Greg, Rest in Peace.
Magda
Swiss 1224
Jasmine Koehler-O'Hara
Posted on: Friday, February 17, 2023I am so sorry Janine for your precious lost to your best friend Greg. I never knew Greg, but I did see him at Doggieville a few times. May he rest in peace. He looked like he was a very kind special husband to you, Janine , step father to Hollie, & Grandfather to Avery & Brendon.
Cherish all the fabulous beautiful memories. 🙂
Bruce Campbell
Posted on: Friday, February 17, 2023My condolences, Janine, to you and your family. I worked with Greg years ago and it was so nice to get back in touch through Doggieville. He has the respect of so many of his former colleagues in Toronto Paramedic Services
Swiss Chalet 1927
Posted on: Friday, February 17, 2023Our deepest condolences to the family. It was a pleasure and honour to have known and have worked by Greg’s side as our Director. Greg was humble, polite, kind and supportive who made any task at hand feel comfortable and achievable in success. It is a huge loss, a great man with high principles. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and hope they feel comfort in knowing that he was thought so highly of and helped so many others in all that he did. Never forgotten, thank you Greg for everything!
Swiss Chalet 1927
Julie Marchand
Posted on: Friday, February 17, 2023I’ve met Greg through Doggieville and I always remember him as being such a nice person, always smiling and joking and loved talking about the Montreal Canadiens. My Willow will sure be looking for Greg in heaven.
My deepest sympathy to you Janine, Hollie and the rest of the family at this very sad time xxx.
Julie
Joanne McClory
Posted on: Sunday, February 19, 2023My deepest sympathy to Greg’s family. I am Joanne McClory Kevin’s aunt. I have known Greg since he and Kevin were little guys, they were inseparable. I have fond memories of these kids and then as young adults. My most recent and fun memory was when they spent a week with John and I in the Keys during reading week. They did not do much reading but we all had fun. I shall always remember Greg , a great kid, a kind and gentle young man, an honorable adult and Kevin’s
Best friend.
To his family I send my deepest sympathy, warmest thoughts and the peace that will help you get through the coming days.
Joanne
Kerwin Williams
Posted on: Monday, February 20, 2023My deepest condolences to Greg’s family and loved ones, Greg was truly a good soul, from the time he came to Swiss you can always find us sharing a laugh. He was a person that always believed in helping others and being of service to all, you will be missed, RIP big guy.
Sara Hussen
Posted on: Tuesday, February 21, 2023My deepest condolences to Greg’s family and loved ones, Greg was the best leader, I have ever had.I learnt a lot from Greg .May his soul rest in peace.
Annelise Malandrino
Posted on: Wednesday, February 22, 2023My deepest condolences to Janine, Hollie, and all of Greg’s family. When I first met Greg, he was so kind and welcoming. He gave the best hugs and had such a great smile. My heart goes out to you all. He will truly be missed and never forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace.
Terri Joness
Posted on: Saturday, March 11, 2023I feel just awful that I’m just finding out about Greg’s passing. 💞
Greg was our family neighbour & part of our family too.
My heart breaks, Greg was a wonderful friend to my brother Kevin & my sister Erin.
All my love & condolences to The Kesseler Family.
May he fly with the angels.
Roxanne Tolley (nee Roxanne Kesseler)
Posted on: Sunday, April 21, 2024To the Kesseler family from Roxanne Tolley (nee Roxanne Kesseler)
Uncle Lawrence (Cassey) Kesseler was my first cousin, and father of Greg. Casey was born the son of Harold Kesseler who was a brother to my father Albert Cyril Kesseler. I was born in Toronto and lived there most of my adult life.
Quite a few ago we spent time time at Christmas with Casey and his wife Regina who we called Reggie along with Greg and his sister Karen when they moved to Scarborough, Ontario. We used to have oysters as a starter, and a fine meal prepared by Casey and Regina. We used sing Christmas Carols and had a lot of laughs. My dad Bert used to love to visit with his nephew and his family. Greg and Karen were usually with us for the Christmas Gathering at Casey’s home.
I hope that someone who reads this may pass on my condolences to Regina and Karen on behalf of my husband Paul and myself. It was by accident that I found the obituary for Greg and along with reading about Greg’s passing that I found that my dear cousin Casey had also passed.
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss and may you have peace in knowing that Greg will always be with you in your memories and the love you have for him. He was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Much love to my Kesseler family from your cousin who now lives just outside of Moncton, New Brunswick. I am on FaceBook and can be reached by the Email at paulandroxy@bellaliant.net.