Barry Kesser was a Rotarian in spirit before he became a Rotarian. He would do anything to help people. He was a 40-year member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk and is fondly remembered for his upbeat nature, friendly greetings and always smiling. He was a member of the chaplains committee and his invocations were thoughtful and often included a Priestly Blessing.
May the Lord bless you, and guard you.
May the Lord make His face shine unto you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up His face unto you, and give you peace.
A real estate developer and appraiser, he was well-known throughout Norfolk and Virginia Beach. He loved to race Hobie Cats, was an avid runner who participated in marathons, earned an amateur pilot’s license, and rode a motorcycle. He was active in the community as the president of the Board of the Norfolk Board of Realtors, and served on the boards of Congregation Beth El, the Norfolk Public Library and the TOWN Foundation.
Chuck Spence and Barry were friends at Granby High School but drifted apart after Norfolk closed its public schools in the fall of 1958 and Barry transferred to Virginia Beach High School. Their paths crossed again at a tour of Norfolk Academy when their daughters were prospects for first grade. Their friendship was rekindled when Chuck joined Rotary. Chuck would join Barry and his son and grandsons at UVA football games where Barry would insist that Chuck join them for tailgating and sit with his family.
Barry was a devoted family man married to the love of his life, Kay. They had three children and seven grandchildren who fondly called him “Papa Bear.” Barry is pictured above with Kay.