Dr. 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.

Curtis, known by many as “Curt,” was born on May 26, 1939 in Upland, CA to the late Levi C. and Lilly “Landis” Nissly. Curt was introduced to the Lord through the Brethren-in-Christ Church at a young age and was passionate about the Lord. He also exhibited a strong passion for agriculture and missions throughout his early years.

After graduating high school 1956, Curt attended Westmont College and Upland College each for one year. Curt left Upland in 1959 to work as a missionary helper in Zambia and Zimbabwe. In the fall of 1962, Curt returned to Upland College and earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology. In 1963, Curt married the love of his life, Vi, of 53 years.
In 1966, Curt completed his Master’s degree and teaching credentials at California “Cal” State College (Los Angeles Campus). In 1967, Curt and family left the United States for Zambia under the Brethren-In-Christ Missions where he taught math and science at Choma Secondary School.

In 1972, Curt and family returned to Champaign/Urbana, Illinois where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agronomy in 1976. Curt and family returned to Zambia under the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to teach at 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.

Upon retirement, Curt and his wife operated a small business. He also 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; a brother, Donovan “Don” (Karin) of Oregon City, OR; three sisters, Charlotte Young (Charles) of Champagne, IL, Patricia Sheffey (Lynn) of Escondido, CA and Cathy Long (Ron) of Jupiter, FL; five grandchildren, Christopher Nissly of Burlington, VT, Micah and Sarah Nissly of Severn, MD, Kara Small Cohen (Jacob) of Flower Mound, TX, Gabriel and Levi Nissly of Lemoyne, PA. 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.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, October 29, 2016, 10:00am at the First Assembly of God, 4100 N Progress Ave, Harrisburg, PA, 17110.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the CASA foundation for the volunteer program: Cumberland County CASA, 1 Courthouse Suite 301 Carlisle, PA 17013.