Obituary of Earline Tessler

Earline Tessler, age 95, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, passed away at home on January 9, 2026.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late James Earl Smith and Ada Pyett Smith. Earline had been a resident of Chadds Ford since 2019, previously living in St. George, Utah.

Earline was a graduate of Sharon Hill High School, Class of 1948. She was the owner of The Lord and Tessler Antique Store for many years. She was a devoted member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and always donating to numerous charitable organizations. A devout Christian, Earline was actively involved with The Gideons International, sharing her faith and commitment to evangelical outreach throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Tessler, and her parents.

Earline is survived by her loving children: George (Barbara) Rizzo, Diane (Edgar) Ellis, James Rizzo, Linda (Francis) Jackson, Michael (Judith) Rizzo, Stephen Rizzo, and Anthony (Rebecca) Rizzo. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley, PA. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment at Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, PA. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.

Donations in Earline's memory may be made to Gideons International (gideons.org), Youth Action Ministries (youthactionministries.com), or a Charity of your choice.