Carl Rine Bissett

Carl Rine Bissett, 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at his home in Havre de Grace, MD. Born in Wheeling, WV, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Ruth (Rine) Bissett.

Carl grew up in Cameron, WV, a small town in that state’s northern panhandle, and later graduated with a B.S. in Geology from Waynesburg College. He and his wife Sue moved to Harford County shortly after their college graduation in 1962, and the couple soon began careers with the Harford County Board of Education. Carl worked for over three decades as a high school teacher and spent most of that time teaching Earth Science to ninth-grade students at Aberdeen High School. Carl positively impacted the lives of countless young people, and he always relished his frequent encounters and impromptu reunions with former students. He also earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Maryland in 1969.

Carl was industrious and tireless, and he remained active throughout his life in a myriad of ways. He started Bissett Painting in the early 1970s and painted homes throughout the community with fellow teachers and others for many years. He also worked as an assistant store manager with Klein’s grocery store chain for nearly two decades.

Carl’s wide range of interests included cooking, traveling, tending to his vegetable garden, and doting on his grandchildren. He was also a member of Grove Presbyterian Church and Susquehanna Lodge No. 130.

Carl is survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 65 years, Sue (Simms) Bissett; children, Wesley (Liz) Bissett of Baltimore and Carla (Mark) McCarter of York, SC; grandchildren, Jake Bissett (17), Ashley McCarter (28), and Katelyn McCarter (21); and sister, Jane Simms of Oakland, MD. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Richard (Dick) Bissett of Calgary, AB.

Carl was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother and a cherished friend and colleague to those fortunate enough to have shared time with him. Those of us who knew and loved Carl will miss him, but the fond memories of our times with him will continue to brighten our hearts and bring a smile to our faces.

A celebration of Carl’s life will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, at Grove Presbyterian Church, 50 E. Bel Air Avenue, Aberdeen, MD, with a visitation period beginning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Aberdeen High School, 251 Paradise Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001. All contributions will be awarded to a deserving college-bound student, and any donation should indicate on the check memo line that the gift is designated for the “Carl Bissett Scholarship.”