Malcolm Appleton Kessinger

Malcolm Appleton Kessinger, age 82, died peacefully at home in Estero, Florida, in the early morning of Monday, October 20, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Malcolm was born to Maynard Appleton Kessinger and Thelma Claudine (Whitaker) Kessinger on August 30, 1943, in Covington, Virginia. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Kessinger, and five grandchildren: Jonathan of Atlanta, Georgia; Ashley and Noah of Greenville, South Carolina; and Jacob and Micah of Hilton Head, South Carolina. He also helped raise his nephews, John and Rob Quitta of San Antonio, Texas. Malcolm was preceded in death by two sons, Michael and David, and his niece, Sara Anne Quitta. In addition to their home in Estero, Florida, Mal and Mary were also residents of Flat Rock, North Carolina, where they spent their summers. The town of Flat Rock was dear to Mal’s heart, dating back to age 12 when he first attended Presbyterian Camp at Bonclarken. Mal graduated from Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, and received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia. He was an accomplished business executive and worked for several chemical companies during his career. He served at Union Carbide Corporation for over 20 years, retiring as Corporate Vice President of Human Resources during the company’s merger with Dow Chemical Company. He also served in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. After retiring from his career as a business executive, Mal continued to command a room. He was always quick to share a story or words of wisdom and was often the first to offer a word of prayer before a meal. His smile was soft and kind, his sense of humor warm and inviting, and his heart generous. Mal was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida. He loved golf, both playing and watching, and especially visiting Augusta National during The Masters. He was an avid, faithful Georgia Bulldog fan and often watched or attended their football games. He was involved in many volunteer organizations, including his work in starting a Presbyterian Church in Connecticut. The family extends heartfelt thanks to his dedicated caregivers Deanna, Courtney, Wilson, Max, and Marie for their loving care and support. Each of them made a positive difference in Mal’s life, and he cherished those relationships. A celebration of life service is planned for Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. Those wishing to provide donations in Mal’s memory can do so to Friends of The Salvation Army, First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, or a charity of their choice. Friends of The Salvation Army PMB 372 24600 S Tamiami Trail STE 212 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 or First Presbyterian Church 9751 Bonita Beach Road SE Bonita Springs, FL 34135 To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Malcolm Appleton Kessinger

August 30, 1943 - October 20, 2025