George Griffith HESS

News Death Notice

HESS, George Griffith 77, of Beavercreek, left us September 4, 2015. Born in Collingswood, NJ, he graduated from Juniata College and received his PhD from Penn State. Coming to Wright State in the second year of its existence, he taught chemistry there for 34 years. He received the College of Science and Mathematics' Outstanding Teaching Award 3 times, served as department chair from 1984-88, was first in the department to integrate computers in the classroom, and spent many hours in one-on-one tutoring sessions to ensure his students understood the material. During his final illness, it was a joy to be treated by some of his former students who had gone on to medical careers. In the early days of family-centered maternity care, he was one of the first fathers admitted to a Dayton hospital's delivery room. Professionally, he was active in the local section of the American Chemical Society, serving as chair in 1975, as well as chairing the Patterson-Crane Award committee for 6 years. He served on the Executive Committee of the Ohio Valley Chromatography Symposium from 1977-96, chairing it from 1985-90. In 1990-91, he was a visiting scientist at the EPA Research Lab in Athens, GA. Active in the Beavercreek Church of the Brethren, he held a number of leadership positions, taught an adult class, and used his fine tenor voice both in the choir and as a soloist. He volunteered for the Dorset Downs Neighborhood Association and helped launch the Beavercreek Historical Society's Living History program. His wide-ranging interests included music, bird-watching, reading, woodworking, traveling, baking and family games of "Oh Heck". The surplus from his bountiful vegetable garden found its way to many other tables. Much beloved by family and friends alike, he is survived by Sylvia, his wife of 53 years, daughter Heidi (Chris Rice), son Jon (Minh Hess), and cherished grandchildren, Nathan and Nicole Hess and Sophie Rice. The family owes a great debt of thanks to Dr. Mark Romer, Hospice of Dayton, and a long list of dedicated and caring nurses and medical personnel. George donated his body to the Wright State's Boonshoft School of Medicine. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Beavercreek Church of the Brethren, 2659 Dayton-Xenia Road. Donations in his memory may be made to Trees for Life (http://www.trees for life.org/) or Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/)