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William Hess Obituary

William (Bill) Hess

AGE: 86 • Holiday, Fla.

William (Bill) Hess, 86, of Holiday, Florida, passed away on Monday, Dec. 24, 2012, at Medical Center of Trinity, of a massive heart attack. Although a New Jersey resident, he wintered in Florida for many years. Born in Chicago to Elvira & William Hess, the family first relocated to the Teaneck area of North Jersey before moving to Forked River, NJ. While serving in the U.S. Navy in the European Theater during WWII, Bill met and married Beatrice Thompson, a member of the British Army. Bill assisted his father in operating the Forked River Yacht Club before becoming a long distance truck driver and an RV vacationer, traveling to all but 2 Continental states. In Forked River, Bill rebuilt a tiny bungalow into a 7 room house literally single handedly. He loved his RV, his old Chevy truck, his John Deere tractor, and working in his garage & yard. Bill also enjoyed visiting family in Canada and hunting moose there, in the North Woods. Bill was a member of the Florida Naval Sailors Association, the Old Guard of Forked River, the American Legion and was a longtime member and past Commander of VFW Post 10118 of Forked River.

Bill's wife of 55 years, Beatrice, predeceased him, as did sons, William & James. Bill is survived by 2 daughters, Belinda Queen of Sarasota, FL, and Margaret Hess of Tampa, FL; 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves his loving companion, Lois Reilly of Lanoka Harbor, NJ. He considered his companion's family as an addition to his own and shared a warm, loving relationship with them. Bill also leaves many close relatives in Canada and will be sadly missed by all.

After cremation in Florida, his ashes, along with his wife's, will be returned to New Jersey, where they will be spread in the ocean off the Jersey Coast. A memorial service will be held in New Jersey at a later date.

Published by Beach Haven Times & Asbury Park Press from Jan. 11 to Jan. 17, 2013.
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