Alexander Kisse

Passed peacefully away on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Prince George’s Hospital following a short episode of pneumonia.

He was born June 18, 1917 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into a large family.  In 1942 he married Rosemary (Smiley) Smialek and in 1957 moved to New Carrollton, Maryland where he started and ran his own successful business. He was the first Santa when New Carrollton was a new community.  He rode   through the streets in a sleigh made each year especially for him by the Men’s Club and distributed candy and gifts to the children and shut-ins.

Sparky loved telling tales and relating his experiences with the 28th Division in WWII during the Battle of the Hurtgeon Forest and Battle of the Bulge where he was seriously wounded an earned a Purple Heart as well as a Bronze Star.   Even during wars’ difficult times his sense of humor and courage was an inspiration to all and he earned many commendations.  He also qualified as a Sharpshooter and could still out-shoot many younger veterans at Army Reunions. He traveled back to Normandy several times with veteran’s groups for   anniversary remembrances.

Despite his advanced age he was sharp, fiercely independent, kept up with current events and loved watching football and Judge Judy on TV.

Smiley, his loving wife of 50 years, predeceased him in 1992.  He leaves behind his daughter, Leonette, of Greenbelt, her daughter, his granddaughter, Allyson, who together cared for him in his home for many years; a son, William, of Rockville, (Phyllis Newfield), granddaughter Tatiana Fontana, one sister, Helen Rohal of  Oakdale, Pennsylvania, brother Theodor (Pat) of Sunny Beach, Michigan, several nieces and nephews and many friends.