JONATHAN HESS

I just found out today about the loss of Jonathan. We attended Midwood High School together and were friends. I am so saddened by this loss and remember his as a sweet, smart kind lovely person. Sending healing thoughts to his wife, children and extended family at this time of tremendous loss.
Nara Berson, Savannah GA (formerly of Brooklyn NY)

This must be the same Jonathan Hess I knew in high school (at Tanglewood). I remember his uncommon musicianship and gentle personality. We were later at Yale together but crossed paths only now and then. How little I knew of what he was offering, and would later offer, to the world. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students.

Our sincerest sympathies to the Posner Family on the death of their wonderful son Jonathan. We are deeply shocked and saddened. With love and sympathy, Wendy and Paul

Professor Hess was such an inspiring presence during my graduate education. I learned a great deal from him, and he was a kind, understanding person in addition to his great intelligence. He was also an invaluable presence on my dissertation committee. He and I shared some funny experiences in Chapel Hill because, in the eyes of a lot of people, we sort of resembled each other. We joked about this all time time as people mistook one of us for the other. He was a terrific person and I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.

Although I only met Prof. Hess briefly during a conference at Duke, I am an avid reader of his scholarship. I am shocked and saddened at the loss of such an incisive and prolific scholar. Indeed, the field of German-Jewish studies has tragically lost one of its leading lights. Yehi zikhro barukh (May his memory be a blessing).

It is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love so much. Knowing that so many were loved and touched by him helps. Even more so because he lives in their memories. May you have peace and comfort that you have hope in the promises from Almighty God of seeing your loved one again . My condolences.

I am so sorry for your loss. May our grand creator bring peace to your broken heart .

To his wife and daughters, my deepest condolence and our god of mercy bring you great comfort. Mattews 5:4

I took "German Culture and the Jewish Question" last semester with Professor Hess. I enjoyed Professor Hess's lectures and presence immensely. Johnathan Hess was one of the few professors who I have had who I felt genuinely cared deeply for all of his students and all around him. He was very passionate about his teaching and I learned a great deal with him last semester. Professor Hess challenged me to think deeply on new subject matter and he was very kind to me. I enjoyed talking with him after class and in his office hours, not just about classwork, but about life and the world in general. Thank you Professor Hess for what you contributed to my time at UNC. My deepest condolences to the family and to everyone who was impacted by the positive light Dr. Hess shared with others.

Although I am not a student my son was last year. Prof Hess's class was his absolute favorite class in all of his Chapel Hill experience. He talked about it regularly especially with our Jewish friends. Nathaniel let us know just now of his unexpected passing. Please accept our very sincere condolences. Please know that as you grieve and mourn your family will be in our prayers.