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BORN
1963
DIED
2018
Gary Hess Obituary
HESS, Gary, 55, of West Milford, NJ, formerly of River Vale, NJ, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Beloved husband of Donna Young. Devoted father of Rebecca and devoted stepfather of Steven and daughter-in-law Christina Brown. Dear brother of Michael and his wife Donna. Cherished grandfather of Haley. Loving uncle of Justin and Kathryn. He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Carl and Joan. Gary coached and mentored thousands of hockey players throughout NJ and NY over the past 30 years. Most recently, he was the Hockey Director at Sport O Rama Ice Rink in Monsey, NY. The family will receive their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ on Wednesday, August 15 from 2-9PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's name to American Diabetes Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kim Nitz
August 21, 2018
Gary took the time to teach me how to skate and play hockey at 37 years old. He was equally amused every time I fell. He also taught my twins to play hockey and we all had so much fun at Mackay for many years. He was also a great friend and helped me and the boys through a very difficult time, back in the day. I am truly saddened. You will be greatly missed but fondly remembered. Love you Bud !
Kim Nitz, Liam and Sean Fitzpatrick
Eileen Babikian
August 20, 2018
My condolences to Gary's family. I remember him well throughout high school. What an awesome guy. Nice and kind to everyone. We had a special class at pascack valley high school. We were blessed with wonderful people
Eileen Higgins
Marie Sheridan
August 19, 2018
So very sorry to learn of Gary's sudden passing Please know we are keeping all the family in our thoughts and prayers,Hugs to all ....Sincerely ,Wayne & Marie Sheridan, Middleton ,Nova Scotia .
Trish Sheridan
August 19, 2018
We, Gary's Canadian cousins, were so shocked & saddened to hear of his passing. Although we hadn't seen him for a few years we do remember his visits to Nova Scotia and the time spent visiting with him at my Grandparents' (Gordon & Joan Sheridan) home. In return, my Grandparents also made many visits to NJ and had many memorable visits with him, Rebecca, Donna, Michael, Katherine, Justin and of course Great Aunt Florence (Gordon's sister). Our thoughts are with you all & our sincere condolences. What a difference Gary made in so many lives - he will be surely missed. RIP Gary.
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Uncle Mike, Aunt Vicky, Michael & Craig
August 17, 2018
In loving memory of a great guy. Our love and prayers to the Hess family.
Arlene Pospisil
August 16, 2018
Prayers for Gary, his wife and family. I am so saddened to hear of his too soon passing. May he RIP.
Ryan Griffin
August 15, 2018
Gary has been an inspiration for me in the sport of ice hockey. Whether it has been glice lessons, early morning skates at McKay Arena, or working at the ramapo saints hockey camp, he has helped me become a better hockey player. We really had a lot of great times together! He was a really nice guy too and I will miss him very much. God bless Gary.
Andy Javier
August 15, 2018
I knew Gary growing up...became teammates with him later on...then met up with him again as my older son Kyles coach at SJR, followed by Andrews coach. Both boys loved him and said that he knew how to explain what the Coaches were looking for and that he had great Hockey Knowledge. The world lost a great Hockey mentor and a great man. RIP my friend.... Heavens Hockey team just got a little stronger.
Bud Brown
August 15, 2018
Bud Brown and the CT Jr Whalers extend the most sincere condolences to the Hess family. Our
heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
Danny Antal
August 15, 2018
Danny Antal
August 15, 2018
Gary was my biggest inspiration in hockey.
Danny Antal
August 15, 2018
Gary helping me with school work
Danny Antal
August 15, 2018
One of my first practices with Gary
Danny Antal
August 15, 2018
Glen Chris Brian Sisti
August 15, 2018
Your devotion, commitment, and dedication to the hockey community for both young and old was second to none. The hockey shop in Westwood was a great meeting place for hockey enthusiasts looking for equipment, advice, mentoring, chatting, and also providing Therapy for the countless numbers involved in youth hockey . Thanks for all you've done for the betterment of hockey all over and also what you've done for our kids. You'll be missed but not forgotten! Rest in peace
Danny Antal
August 15, 2018
Gary was the father i never had, he helped me as well as my family, he was always there for me, he realized i fell in love with hockey at a very young age and took that in to consideration. i was told by doctors not to play a contact sport, Gary made it possible for me by teaching me how to "keep the biscuit out of the basket" and making sure i was the best person i could be whether it was on or off the ice. If i ever needed help with homework he would be right there for me and help me just like a father. Or if i didn't have a ride to the rink he would go out of his way to give me one. Gary was the best human being i knew. I will miss him everyday.
Danny Antal
August 15, 2018
D. Tobin and Family
August 15, 2018
He was a great mentor and a great person. Gary didn't only teach us the game, he taught us how to be great people as well. Our world will never be the same without this amazing man. Each of us will miss Gary and everything he's done for our family.
August 15, 2018
First I will express my condolences to the family. My dealings and talks with Gary were always good, regardless of the subject. He was always a gentleman, and listened to your point of view. A treasure of a man who will surely be missed. I will light a candle for him and keep him in my prayers!
George Lanzot and family.
Thomas Greco
August 15, 2018
Was my first hockey coach for the Mavericks back in the early 90s . Big influence on me as a teenager and was the first guy I called when my son was get involved in hockey. Rest in peace Gary you will be missed !!
Nina and Dom Bianco
August 15, 2018
Our hearts & prayers are with The Hess Family. Gary will be forever remembered by The Bianco Family.
Gary was funny, generous, thoughtful, and truly one of a kind person who touched the lives of so many. He was my real estate customer for many years at The Pregame Pro Shop, and offered my son Marcus his first job where Marcus learned so much about hockey, business, coaching, training, and much more about life.
We remember that he even helped suit up my daughter Gina and encouraged her to join the hockey clinic at Mackay Park when she was only around 5 years old. He really cared about everyone and treated his employees like part of his family. He was a mentor, a leader, and a friend.
We remember when Donna and Gary came by horseback to Marcus' Graduation party as a surprise - so fun!
We are privileged to have had the opportunity to have Gary be part of our lives.
With Love,
"The BIancos"
We will always remember you and your family in our prayers.
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
Our success is your your success.
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
You were always there for support.
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
Thank you for all that you have done for our sons and daughters!
Steven Hudon
August 14, 2018
Our success is your success.
Steven Hudon
August 14, 2018
Your presence will be missed.
Steven Hudon
August 14, 2018
We will always remember you and your family in our prayers.
Steven Hudon
August 14, 2018
You were always there for support.
Steven Hudon
August 14, 2018
Warm ups will not be the same without you.
Steven Hudon
August 14, 2018
Gary could fix anything
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
SJR
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
SJR
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
SJR
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
SJR cup
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
Steve Hudon
August 14, 2018
Some pics from Steve Hudon. Youll be missed Gary
Rob Feldman
August 14, 2018
Our lives are forever enriched because of knowing Gary, one of the great hockey people and one of the kindest people we've ever known. Our hearts go out to his family.
- Adam, Rob & Virginia Feldman
August 14, 2018
Gary will be greatly missed in the hockey world and around the rink.
Saints 8U Blue team and 8U Red team.
Roseann Henecker
August 14, 2018
Gary and I share a very special day. We are Godparents for the most wonderful man,our nephew Justin. I haven't seen him in awhile but I remember his laugh and love for his dog and Donna and his child.
Angela & Rick DeMario
August 14, 2018
Gary Hess will always be special to the DeMario family as he was both my kids first coach and ignited their passion and love for hockey. At the age of 4 ,when they couldnt even stand up on the ice , he had them pushing chairs around and encouraged them and gave them the confidence to always work at getting better. He was a great coach and a truly special person .
He will be sorely missed by my family and I know by thousands of others as he touched so many . Sending much love and our deepest condolences to his family .❤
Darleen Haupt
August 14, 2018
The light within you touched so many lives for the better and that flame will continue to burn bright in them. RIP Gary
August 13, 2018
To our friend Gary, we will always remember you from the time we met over 12 years ago when we brought our son to you for his first hockey lessons. We followed you for years from Englewood to the Saints. Our son still plays hockey, and to this day we know that you instilled this in his heart. We will always remember your smile and thank you for our memories on the ice and off.
Your friends Mason, Michael and Morena Klarin
Caixin Zhan
August 13, 2018
With Deepest condolences to the Gary's family and friends.
Zhan's family
August 13, 2018
Gary was omni present in all my boys youth hockey all the way back to the Mackay days My kids first clinics 25 years ago.
Gary touched a lot of lives in a positive way.
Condolences to the Hess family.
The Sawyer Family.
Adam Davis
August 13, 2018
Gary had a fake front tooth to replace one that was knocked out playing hockey. When you weren't looking he'd replace the tooth with a piece of French fry or corn niblet and pretend nothing was weird...
At every turn Gary was looking to make you laugh, make you smile or make you a better hockey player -- usually all at the same time. Nobody had a bigger heart and was more generous with their time or talent. And man could he shoot the puck.
Rest in peace, Coach -- I hope you and Eric are together eating and playing hockey like the old days.
Daniel Hunt
August 13, 2018
RIP Gary. You were a true friend and an incredible player/coach. I've known you for a good 35 years,and I can still remember the day you opened the pro shop and taking those 80 mph wrist shots from mid ice at Mackay Park. Always great memories. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
August 13, 2018
Gary , thank you for always being so friendly and giving our son an opportunity to play for the Saints . You will be missed . Rest In Peace ! Rose Gasparovich
August 13, 2018
We will always remember Gary for giving our son his first chance at playing hockey. He sowed the seed of a passion that will be with our family forever, and therefore so will a part of Gary.
We offer deep condolences to his family during this time of loss.
Vasilopoulos Family
The Trontz Family
August 13, 2018
We will miss Gary's presence, knowledge, guidance and support at Sportorama. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hess family. We hope you find some comfort in the knowledge that he influenced so many young lives in a positive way and will never be forgotten.
Greg Novielli
August 13, 2018
Oh the stories I could tell about working at Mackay years ago.....Gary you will be missed. We had such a good time.
Greg Novielli
Dorothy Maloney
August 13, 2018
To the Hess Family,
Our deepest condolences to you all for your loss. Gary always greeted us with a smile, whether at his store back years ago in Westwood or anytime we saw him at Sportorama....he always shared his advice and loved getting updates on our girls hockey careers...he was a great fan of girls playing hockey:-)
Thank you Gary and rest easy our friend❤
The Maloney's
Dorothy, Mike, Riley, Quinn and Cam
August 13, 2018
A true teddy bear with a heart of gold. You will be missed by all.
Michael Maurer
August 13, 2018
Gary coached all three of my boys.. he had a very positive and lasting influence on all three ... teaching life lessons along with Hockey essentials.. God bless Gary for all his contributions to the young people he mentored and coached....
David
August 13, 2018
Deepest condolences to the family and friends. May God's promise help you endure during this difficult time. Hosea 13:14
Thank you Coach Hess
The Hudon family
August 13, 2018
Soft hands, softer heart. Thank you Coach.
August 13, 2018
Gary has always been someone who gave so much, to so many , for so long. You will be missed. We celebrate all your tutelage, selflessness, words of encouragement and caring. You will forever be in our memories. May your family, friends and acquaintances, take solace in having known you. Peace my friend.
The Stark Family
August 13, 2018
We were very saddened to hear the news of Gary's passing and want to express our deepest condolences to the Hess family, as well as to the entire Saints organization. We will keep Gary and the Hess family in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
The DeBruyn Family
Kevin Smith
August 13, 2018
A belated (but very sad) thank you for always trying to make Mike & Tim better players. And a huge thank you from me for always being helpful, honest and fair when dealing with their equipment ... it meant a lot to me ... P.S., now that my Grandsons play, any help to make them better players would be appreciated ... RIP !!!
Marcy And Scott Pirter
August 12, 2018
As a hockey family, we had the greatest respect for Gary.. He was a kind hearted, hard working honest man who loved hockey. Our deepest condolences, The Porter Family/ Marcy, Scott, Gideon and Seth
Pat (Kelly) Stanton
August 12, 2018
Gary, May you RIP in the arms of Our Lord. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Joyce Hudon
August 12, 2018
Gary made huge contributions to the programs and the players for the Saints and at SJR. He was always generous with his time and overly generous with donations. Brandon and his teammates were lucky to have Gary at the Saints and at SJR. I hope Gary knew how much he meant to them all, Brandon loved playing for him. He will be missed. The Hudon Family.
August 12, 2018
Deepest sympathies to Hess family on Gary's passing. Far too young. He was always gracious host when we played golf and generous with his time and talents helping my children. I will miss him. Rachel, your father was very proud of your academic success and admired your passion for your work. Remember that on days when your feeling blue and things aren't going your way.
Sincerely, Larkin family
Frey Family
August 12, 2018
Hey big guy, I was crushed to hear the news. I wanted to take this time to say thank you for all you do for the Saints Organization, SJR, and how you looked after so many kids to not only make them better hockey players, but better human beings. For me personally, thank you for teaching Kyle in teachable moments. You always made yourself available for so many players. However, hockey was always secondary as to you guiding these children on the right path for life. Hope you are resting now and I will do my best to continue your message for the Saints Organization. I am a better coach today because of you, and you will be missed dearly by the hockey community and most importantly your family and friends. God Bless.
Andrew Frey
August 12, 2018
Hey big guy, heard the news, I'm stunned but just wanted to say thank you for caring for so many kids under your control. Especially Kyle!! Hockey was always secondary as to you guiding these kids to be great people. You always seized the opportunity to teach them and the organization and these kids are better off for your guidance. I am a better coach because of you as well. Hope your resting now and I'll do my best to continue your message for the Saints Organization. You will be missed by the hockey community but more importantly by your family and friends.
Love
Frey family
Robert Massimi
August 12, 2018
With deepest sympathy. The Massimi Family.
John & Melissa koliopoulos
August 12, 2018
We are so sorry our children have lost a kind mentor and coach. Our condolensces go to Gary's family, colleagues and hockey players at sportorama and Saint Joseh Regional High School. We are praying for Gary and his family during this sorrowful time.
The Koliopoulos Family
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219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675
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