Harry Tessler

St. George, Utah. Harry Tessler, 89, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2014 at Dixie Regional Hospital, St. George. Harry was born in the city of Philadelphia, PA on August 7, 1925 to Joseph Tessler and Betty Cooper Tessler. Harry married Earline J. Smith Rizzo on February 9, 1972 in Media, PA, Judge Paul Sands presided. Harry and Earline resided at 5 Waverly Ave. Springfield, Delaware County, PA from 1972-1993. They then moved in 1993 to St. George. Harry was born and raised in West Philadelphia where he graduated from Overbrook High School. He then entered the Navy and became a Seabee during WW II. He was in the Pacific Theater stationed and fought on Okinawa. After WW II ended Harry entered St. Joseph's University earning his Associate's degree in Business. Harry worked alongside his parents Joseph and Betty in their growing grocery store business located in Secane, PA. Later he worked in food-freezer sales until he met his "Soul" mate Earline. While living in St. George Harry was active with the VIP's for 12 years. He also handed out Bibles for Gideon's International for 15 years. He was very active in his church by serving as an usher and a "prayer warrior." Earline had started a small antique business and when she and Harry were married they expanded this business to become one of the largest antique businesses in SE Pennslyvania. They called their business The Lord and Tessler Antique Shop, emphasizing The Lord Jesus Christ in their lives and business. Harry served as Earline's "right-hand" man in every way and they were inseparable in everything that they did. Harry and Earline traveled throughout this great country in their camper and especially loved the Southwest US where they eventually retired to. Harry and Earline are a blended family, he has 4 children and Earline 7 and 1 Vietnamese young man Dang Van Tran who they sponsored to come to the the US as he was fleeing the communist regime in Vietnam. Harry is survived by his wife Earline J Smith Tessler and his children, Barbara Williams, Drexel Hill, PA, Marc (Susan) Tessler, San Diego, CA, Steve Tessler, West Chester, PA, and Jody Tessler, Arcata, CA. Harry is also survived by 7 Step-children; George (Barbara) Rizzo, Cogan Station, PA, Diane (Ed) Ellis, Muncy, PA, James Rizzo, E. Landowne PA, Linda (Francis) Jackson, Prospect Park, PA, Michael (Judy) Rizzo, Drexel Hill, PA, Stephen Rizzo, Philadelphia, PA, Tony (Becky) Rizzo, Morton, PA. Harry also leaves behind 26 grandchildren/step grandchildren, and 15 Great-grandchildren/step Great-grandchildren. Earline and the family would like to thank Dr. Gilbert and Huntsman Cancer Treatment Center as well as the St. George paramedics and Dixie Regional Hospital ICUS staff for the compassion and care that was given to Harry these past few months and the last two days of his life. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 6, at 11:00am at Harry and Earline's church New Beginning Christian Fellowship, 475 Buena Vista Boulevard, Washington, Utah. Visitation is at 10:00 prior to the service. Interment will take place at the Southern NV Vet. Mem. Cemetery Boulder City, NV following the service. Family and friends are invited to share condolences online at: www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home, St. George, 435-986-2085. Family will provide the flowers in lieu of please give Memorial gift to Gideon's International.

Harry Tessler

August 7, 1925 - October 31, 2014