Jeffrey Hesler

1966 - 2025

Jeffrey Lee Hesler, 59, of Charlottesville, VA died on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at home, surrounded by family. Jeffrey was a loving husband and father and friend, a patient mentor, a world traveler, a hard worker, a brilliant scientist, a jazz aficionado, a mountain climber, and more. He modeled strength that grew from curiosity and generosity, never self-interest. He and a small group of like-minded engineers founded Virginia Diodes Inc. on similar principles of collaboration and community. His pioneering work in the development of terahertz components and instrumentation has greatly benefited the field and enabled innumerable research projects, including the Atacama Large Millimeter Array in Chile. Throughout his career he routinely collaborated with scientists and engineers of international renown but also sought opportunities to interact with young students, and he treated them all with the same respect and camaraderie. For this most of all, he has been beloved and will long be remembered by his colleagues and friends in the terahertz research community.

Born July 8th, 1966 outside Seattle, Washington, he was the son of Jane and Lee Hesler. He is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Jody Hobbs Hesler; his children Clara Hesler and partner Carey of Baltimore, MD, and Jillian Hesler and partner Liam of Ypsilanti, MI; his mother Jane Hesler; his sister Tracy Hesler and her three children, Seth, Jaz, and Maya. He is also survived by many treasured, longtime colleagues and friends, including Tom Crowe, Steve Jones.

In the weeks before he died, the Heslers welcomed a steady stream of friends and family who shared what Jeffrey had meant to them. People from every corner of his life remarked on his kindness. Jeffrey treated everyone he met with dignity and kindness, a legacy his children, family, and friends will cherish.

The family would like to thank everyone who visited, ran errands, brought meals, checked in from near and far, and offered other tangible and intangible support during this difficult time. Much thanks also to the Hospice of the Piedmont.

In lieu of flowers, Jeffrey asked that donations be made to World Central Kitchen (wck.org). Condolences may be sent to the family at www.abettercremation.org.