Christian Frank Hess

Mr. Christian Frank Hess, 85, died peacefully at Tallwoods Care Center on October 4, 2025. Chris was born to Frank and Edwina Hess on July 21, 1940, in Nyack, New York. He spent his childhood in Pearl River, NY, and then in Lakehurst and Pinewald, NJ. Over the course of his life, Chris enjoyed riding his dad's garden tractor in the woods in Pinewald, swimming in the ocean surf, sailing with his brother Eric, working on his Ford Model A Towne Sedan with his brother Jon, watching quiz shows, listening to classical music, and drinking Taylor Tawny Port. He loved antique hardware, tools and guns, and was a member of the Toms River Antique Gun Club. He worked at a tire distribution center, Walmart, and most notably was a skilled technician at National Semiconductor Company (NSC) in Nyack.
His family remember him as a highly intelligent person who was generally uncomfortable in social situations but found solace in several close personal bonds, especially with his great-aunt Edwina Stanton Babcock ("Auntie"). His cousin Theron (Terry) Carmen provided Chris with a great opportunity to work professionally at NSC.
He was often referred to as "Doc Hess" by teachers and fellow students because of his advanced knowledge of antiques, locks, etc.
Chris always enjoyed hearing himself called "Mr. Hess," after his father, Chief Warrant Officer "Mister Hess. " Those who were his caregivers in recent years referred to him as a patient who always had a smile for them.
Chris was predeceased by his parents, by a nephew Daniel Hess, a sister-in-law Adrianne Potter Hess and by two great-nephews, Cole Hess-Salach and Mason Hess. He is survived by his two brothers, Eric Hess (Myrlene) and Jon Hess (Mary Ellen), and his sister Deborah Anne Hess-Steed (Martin), along with many nieces and nephews.
Chris's family would like to thank the staff at Keifer's Quarters, Cedarcrest Convalescent Center and Tallwoods Care Center for their loving support to Chris in his latter years.
Services will be private and under the direction of the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals O'Connell Chapel, 706 Hwy 9, Bayville, NJ.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.
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