Howard Max Geissler of Chester, NY, entered into eternal rest on August 5, 2025. He was 81 years old.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Linda Geissler; his son, Kristian, and wife, Natalie; granddaughter, Molly, and step-grandchildren, River and Vivian; his son, Jonathan, and wife, Johanna; and grandchildren Matthew, Catherine, and Lukas. He is also survived by his sister, Renate Helm, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and close brothers- and sisters-in-law.

The son of the late Max and Elisabeth (Hippe) Geissler, Howard was born on December 12, 1943, in Dresden, Germany. As a young teenager, he immigrated to the United States with his family, beginning a new life marked by strength, hard work, and adventure. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, he embraced every opportunity his new country had to offer—traveling coast to coast, chasing fresh snow on long ski trips, and carrying forward his European passion for soccer, playing semi-professionally in the Cosmopolitan German-American Soccer League.

Having studied art and design, he founded his own commercial graphic arts business in his early twenties. His studio in Manhattan became the center of a long and fruitful career. A gifted artist, he especially enjoyed watercolor painting and was a member of the Art Students League of New York. He was especially thrilled when a Florida couple purchased a painting at the Tilting at Windmills Gallery in Manchester, Vermont. His creativity was not only his profession, but his joy.

Howard and Linda fell in love and married in 1977, sharing decades of love and deep commitment. In their early years, before having children, Howard would take Linda on spontaneous motorcycle rides and trips, bringing joy and adventure into their new life together.

As a father, Howard was fully immersed in family life and passed on his passion for nature and the outdoors. Whether coaching his sons’ soccer practices and games season after season, teaching them to ski and traveling every winter weekend to competitions across New England, or simply playing in the backyard, he gave everything he had—his time, his talent, his heart. He faithfully attended every Boy Scouts meeting, hike, and campout, and in his leadership positions, he became a role model not only for his sons, but for many others through the years.

At home, Howard was a talented gardener who found peace and fulfillment in caring for his home and creating beauty in his surroundings. A devoted husband and father, he dedicated every moment of his life to his family’s well-being and happiness. His legacy is one of faith, devotion, creativity, and love.

Howard had a special love for his many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He treasured regular family gatherings, always looking forward to time spent together. When he became a grandfather, his heart grew even fuller. “Opa” adored each of his grandchildren, delighting in every visit and every chance to be part of their lives.

In 2015, he was received into the Catholic Church, affirming his Faith and its steadying presence especially into his later years. It was a profound and meaningful event for the entire family, leaving such a legacy of faith and devotion.

A Requiem Mass will be offered by the Very Rev. Dennis A Nikolic on Tuesday, August 12 at 11:00 o’clock at the Church of St. Joseph, 149 Cottage Street, Middletown, NY. Family will receive family and friends from 10:30-11:00AM at the church prior to the Requiem Mass. Entombment will follow in the adjoining St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Howard’s name to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Contributions will support the parish’s OCIA Program, which guides others in entering the Catholic faith.  To send electronically, CLICK HERE. All proceeds will be forwarded directly to Church of St. Joseph from Kristian's Venmo.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, please visit www.purtafuneralhome.com.