Obit for Curtis R. Nissly

On Saturday, October 8, 2016, Dr. Curtis R. Nissly (77) of Dillsburg, PA passed away in his home surrounded by his wife and family.  “Curt,” was born on May 26, 1939 in Upland, CA to the late Levi C. and Lilly “Landis” Nissly. After graduating high school 1956, Curt attended Westmont College and Upland College (each for one year),and served as a missionary helper in Zambia and Zimbabwe. In 1962, Curt returned to Upland College and earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology. Between 1963 and 1981, he completed his Master’s degree at Cal State (Los Angeles), moved his family to Zambia to teach math and science under the Brethren-in-Church Missions;
earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agronomy in 1976; and taught at the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) and the University of Zambia (UNZA).

Curt became a commissioned officer with the USAID in 1981 and moved his family to Nairobi, Kenya serving as Regional Economic Development Services Officer (REDSO). In the summer of 1987, Curt and family moved to Islamabad, Pakistan where they were evacuated at the beginning of the Gulf War. They resided in Springfield, Virginia where Curt worked for USAID in Washington, DC until being assigned to Niamey, Niger as the Natural Resources Officer. He later worked in the Food for Peace (FFP) office in Washington, DC until being assigned to Bamako, Mali as Food Aid Officer in 1999. Curt retired in 2004.

In retirement, Curt and his wife operated a small business and organized and led 15 different short term mission teams to New Orleans to assist in the clean-up and rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. Curt travelled with his wife and enjoyed family and grandchildren. He and his wife became a Cumberland County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) advocating for children in the foster care system. In his free time, Curt enjoyed keeping up with home projects and looking for ways to help others.

He is survived by his wife, Vi Nissly; three sons, Curtis (Terri) of Spring Hill, FL, Wayne (Karen) of Severn, MD, Ryan (Lori) of Lemoyne; two daughters, Cheri Small (Roy) of Waconia MN, and Kimberly Henderson (Timothy) of Harrisburg; five grandchildren and a large, loving family.  He was also preceded in death by a son, Carl W. Nissly.  Curt will be greatly missed but his legacy will continue through his children and grandchildren.

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