Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Delmar Hess Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Delmar Freeman Hess, III, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Delmar was born on July 24, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away April 28, 2025, at home in Orlando, Florida.
Delmar married the love of his life, Rebecca Kay Marteney, on June 22, 1974. Together, they built a beautiful family, including their children, Elizabeth Hess Preston (Nicholas) of Orlando, Florida, and Zackary Hess (Samantha) of St. Cloud, Florida. Delmar was a proud grandfather to Lucas (Carrie), Julian, Matthew (Krysta), Emily, and Ethan, and a great-grandfather to Thio, Zoey, and Eli. He also cherished his 17 nieces and nephews.
Delmar was preceded in death by his parents Delmar Freeman Hess Jr., Barbara Grace Casto Hess, niece Emma Grace Hess and his brother David Hess (Connie). He is survived by his siblings, Becky Hess Whitlatch (David) of Belpre, Ohio, Jeannie Hess Pickens (Marvin) of Washington, West Virginia, Robert Hess (Christine) of Belpre, Ohio, and Fran Hess (Steve) of Belpre, Ohio.
A graduate of Belpre High School, Class of 1972, Delmar was a talented artist who expressed his creativity through various mediums, including painting, resin, wood, and cloth. His artistic legacy includes the sculptured panels he fabricated and installed on the exterior of Orlando City Hall, where you can still see them, today.
Delmar's professional journey was marked by his dedication and leadership. He served as the General Manager of Sebastian’s Fine Dining in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Jonathan’s of Orlando in Orlando, Florida. He retired in 2020 from Marriott Vacations Worldwide as Director of Food & Beverage.
Above all, Delmar was a devoted father and grandfather, a mentor to many, and a loving companion to his two adored Labrador retrievers, Ziggy Marley and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Steve, who could not bear the heartbreak of losing his dad — immediately met him at the rainbow bridge.
His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held to honor Delmar at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
895 S Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, FL 32822
People and places connected with Delmar
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Delmar Hess
Tell your own story about Delmar
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Delmar Hess's name
How to support Delmar's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Delmar Hess's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
