John “Jack” Dengler Kistler II, 84, of West Chester, Penn., formerly of Ardmore, passed away on March 21 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester. He was the husband of Rebecca Ann Johnson Kistler, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.
Born on Jan. 31, 1932, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Charles Harold Kistler, MD and Ruth Smith Kistler.
Jack attended high school at Episcopal Academy class of 1950, completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science at Duke University in 1954 as a member of the football team and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and received his Masters in History from Villanova University in 1961.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years, two as a junior officer, before becoming an educator, coach, director of studies, and principal, spending 12 years at Episcopal Academy in Merion, Penn. and 26 years at The Church Farm School in Exton, Penn.
Jack spent his summers as the assistant director at Camp Kieve in Nobleboro from 1960 to 1969, resulting in Maine becoming a special place for the entire family ever since. He received numerous athletic awards and honors from Episcopal Academy, Duke University, and The Church Farm School, including The Chapel of the Four Chaplains: Legion of Honors Award.
Jack was an avid fisherman, an enthusiastic supporter of CFS athletics and Duke Basketball, an appreciator of music, and he recognized his life’s work as shaping the minds and characters of our youth. He was a kind and selfless man, who lived his life for others with the highest integrity, always rooted for the underdog and was cherished by all.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Charles Harold Kistler Jr., MD; William Earle Kistler II; and Judith Seidel Kistler.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, John and wife Marilyn, Padgett and husband Arthur Smith, Chapman and wife Kimberly, and Kelly and husband Paul Sinclair; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren on the way.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., May 21 in The Chapel of the Atonement, Church Farm School in Exton, Penn. with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church Farm School Angel Fund, 1001 E. Lincoln Hwy, Exton, PA 19341.
To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.