Chris Kniesler, former Kean aide, dies at 67

Christopher Kniesler, a former aide to Gov. Thomas H. Kean, died suddenly on March 24.  He was 67.

The son of former Monmouth County GOP Chairman Fred Kneisler, he became active in politics at an early age, attending the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City as a volunteer for President Gerald Ford; the nominee in that race was not certain until the convention when Ford emerged as the winner of a tough primary fight with former California Gov. Ronald Reagan.

Kniesler was an aide to Rep. Edwin Forsythe (R-Moorestown) before working for Kean.

During a long career in government, Kniesler served as deputy director of the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles and the New Jersey State Lottery, as director of administration for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office, and as communications director for the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority.

Kniesler was also the executive director of the Shore Builders Association of Central Jersey, as government relations director for the New Jersey School Board Association, and as the owner of the Kneisler Consultant Group.

A former football player and coach at Allentown High School, Kniesler also spent a decade as the Hamilton High School West football coach.

In addition his parents, Kniesler is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and several siblings.  His brother, Rick, predeceased him in 2017.

A viewing will be held from 5-8 PM on Friday at the Peppler Funeral Home in Allentown.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday at  St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Allentown.