Karl "Pork" E. Cessna

Karl E. “Pork” Cessna, 89, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Monday, April 6, 2026. Born in Bedford, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Robert L. and Helen (Beegle) Cessna. He was the devoted husband of 70 years to Frances “Fran” M. Cessna, a love story that spanned a lifetime.

Pork was naturally mechanical and endlessly curious, a true tinkerer who was always fixing, building, or puttering with something. In his younger years, he spent time deer hunting and helping on his family’s dairy farm. He enjoyed collecting Hess Trucks and took pride in his Corvette.

He had a deep love for travel, far beyond what work required, and he and Fran made countless memories exploring the country and the world together. He also loved doing word searches, and no paper was ever safe around him with a pen in hand, everything was fair game for one of Pork’s signature doodles. He found joy in the simple things, like his Dunkin’ Donuts coffee paired with a chocolate éclair donut, and in the sunshine of his Florida home, where he loved being a snowbird.

Camping was another passion, and Pork was known for making sure his campfires were always the biggest and best around, a warm gathering place just like he was.

Above all, Pork loved his family. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, as well as a beloved brother, uncle, and friend. His presence, steady, warm, and full of quiet character, will be deeply missed.

Pork is survived by his wife, Fran, with whom he recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary; his three children, Greg (Elda) Cessna, Steven (Terry) Cessna, and Kelly (Teri) Cessna; six grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, Dan, Nick, Collin, and Corey; eight great-grandchildren, Tyler, Christian, Rylee, Ben, Addison, Corinne, Cassandra, and Sage; one great-great-granddaughter, Alaina; and six siblings, Perry, Tom, Sue, Don, Kathy, and Robin.

He was preceded in death by two siblings, Ted and Carol, and a daughter-in-law, Nina.

Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation at Trinity Assembly of God in Lutherville, MD from 10:00–11:00 AM on Friday, April 10, 2026, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 AM. A second Celebration of Life will be held at Woods Church on Harrieta Lane in Bedford, PA on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM.