John D. Hesse, of Vero Beach, FL died Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach after a brief illness.
Mr. Hesse was born December 11, 1922 in Hoboken, NJ, a former longtime resident of Allegany, and retired to Vero Beach in 2003 from Buffalo, NY.
He was aa veteran of WWII having served in the US Coast Guard. After his military service he received his Bachelors degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, LA and later received his Masters in Education from St. Bonaventure University. He began teaching school in Mount Morris for two years and then began a 32 year career as an American History teacher for Allegany Central School, retiring in 1985.
Mr. Hesse was a member of St. Helens Parish in Vero Beach and a former member of St. Bonaventure Church. He was also a member of the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 and a lifetime member of the Allegany Knights of Columbus Council 1220. He was an avid bicyclist and he enjoyed fishing, woodworking and playing cards.
Survivors include his daughter Mary (Gary) Sirianni of Olean, NY, son John Hesse, daughter Joan Hesse, and Bill Hesse all of Vero Beach, Michael (Phyllis) Hesse of Columbia, SC, and Margaret (Thomas) Nuss of Allegany, sister Joan Bailey of Arizona, and 3 granddaughters.
He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth Liz Lennon in May 2000, a son Joseph Hesse in September 1990, sister Lillian Burtis and brother Joseph Hesse.
Services: A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean, NY on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 from 5-8 PM. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 10 AM in St. Bonaventure Church. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the ritual team of the Allegany American Legion.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Allegany American Legion, the Allegany Fire Department or to a charity of ones choice.