Jesse Kisiloff

Jesse Kisiloff was born on January 9th, 1940 to Louis Kisiloff and Rose (Rochel) Wasserman in Bronx, NY where he attended Hebrew School, was bar-mizvahed, graduated from Yeshiva, and, later Evander Childs High School.

Jesse served in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1957-1959. In the 1960’s, early in Jesse’s career, he was an auditor for a Wall Street accounting firm where he was able to use his strong mathematical abilities. Later, he drove a New York City yellow cab. In the 1970's Jesse worked in the financial district of Manhattan in food services as buyer for the firms' executive dining room; then as a financial adviser with First Investors during the 1980's, and finally, in the black car industry as a limousine driver catering to executive offices and law firms from 1993 until his early retirement in 2016.  

Jesse enjoyed playing baseball, recreational bowling, scrabble, crossword puzzles, and sudoku.

As Jesse would tell you, the most momentous occasion of his life came on May 24th,1972 at the McAuley Waterstreet Mission in downtown Manhattan, where he made a lifelong commitment to follow Jesus. There he grew quickly in the Word of God and was soon entrusted with instructing new converts at the Mission. Jesse continued biblical studies at Northeastern Bible College.

Throughout the 70’s, Jesse served as an itinerant preacher and hospital chaplain. In 1977, Jesse became a member of Calvary Tabernacle in Brooklyn, NY (later known as International Christian Center) and joined the choir.

In 1978-1979 Jesse met and married his wife of 40 years, Geraldine Barba-Kisiloff, at Calvary Tabernacle.

During this period, he also served as announcer for Bread of Life Ministry’s service broadcasts, under Reverend Al Tricarico. In the succeeding 42 years at ICC Jesse continued to serve in various ministries including narrating the choir’s bi-annual cantatas, Altar Worker, Usher, Children’s Church, Royal Rangers, and Men’s Ministry Leader. The last 5 years of his life Jesse was devoted to God’s calling to further his biblical studies and serve at Calvary Assembly of God under his esteemed pastor, Reverend Lester Figueroa.

God took Jesse to His eternal home on November 1st, 2019.

Jesse Kisiloff is survived by his wife of 40 years, Geraldine Barba-Kisiloff, their son Christian Jonathan Kisiloff, his first born son Adam Kisiloff, daughter Robin Gay Citron, grandchildren Liza Elaine Citron, Aaron (Ari) Citron, son in-law Alex Citron, sister Laura Croce, nephews John Croce, Jr. and Darren Croce, niece Reece Croce, and brother-in-law John Croce, Sr.

Jesse’s legacy is one of unwavering faith and trust in the faithfulness of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To his family and friends, he will be remembered for his humor, quick wit, loyalty, and generosity. Over the years the scripture he often quoted is Psalm 37:25-27 KJV, “I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jesse Kisiloff, please visit our floral store.