Norman W. Kneissler, 79, companion of Ann McCarthy of Ocean Drive and husband of the late Jacqueline A. (Keith) Kneissler, died Wednesday, in the Lahey Medical Center, Burlington following a brief illness.

He was a forty year resident of Boxford.

Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he was the son and one of the two children of the late Walter and Charlotte Dora (Hempel) Kneissler. Norman was raised in Elizabeth and was a graduate of public schools. He continued his education at in the R.O.T.C. program at M.I.T., Cambridge graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He then went onto serve in the U.S. Navy with the Corps of Engineers. Following his discharge he returned to M.I.T. graduating from the Sloan School of Management with a M.S. in finance. During his following professional years he had served as a financial officer at several companies, including Kenics, Hadco, and Foster-Miller.

In addition to his companion, Ann, he is survived by four sons, Walter J. Kneissler and his wife, Debra of Marlborough, Adam C. Kneissler and his wife, Brandy of Fryeburg, Maine, Jason N. Kneissler of Gloucester, Justin E. Kneissler of Poland and five grandchildren, Lucy, Casey, Reece, Paige and Eric Kneissler. He was the brother of the late Norma Harris formerly of New Jersey.

Visiting hours will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich, concluding with a service at 4 p.m. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. His interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Dana Farber Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215 and/or the The ALS Association, P.O. Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037-0022. For directions or to leave a condolence please visit www.whittier-porter.com.