Joseph Hess

1929 - 2015

Joseph Irving Hess

March 26, 1929 - October 29, 2015

Joseph I. Hess was a man devoted to family, the fellowship of those in the Army who served in the Korean War, his business interests, and travel. He died at Hillcrest Homes in La Verne after a brief illness.

Born in San Diego, Joe was an Eagle Scout and after high school, he pursued his love of photography before being drafted into the Army. He later met Rosemarie Cohen, who was his nurse at Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco's Presidio, during his year-long hospitalization from numerous injuries sustained during the Korean War. They married in 1959 and raised two children while living in San Francisco, Atherton and Tiburon. In 2004, they moved to La Verne, California. While Rosemarie died in 2012, Joe remained devoted to her throughout a long illness.

Joe was an excellent business man and, in his own words, a realist, finding a way to success despite his war-related disabilities. He constantly counseled patience in all endeavors, and he enjoyed the benefits of a life well-managed and well-lived. One of Joe's greatest passions was collaborating with other Korean War veterans who were able to reconnect due to his efforts to reunite the men of the Second Division, 23rd Infantry Regiment, A Company.

In 2013, Joe married Marceline Koch Hanawalt, a longtime friend and a wonderful companion who he met at Hillcrest. They enjoyed many travels together and truly enjoyed each other's company until Marceline passed away in January 2015.

Joe leaves behind a family who is grateful for his commitment to his family, as well as his humor, work ethic, tenacity, and attitude toward life. He is survived by his daughter Sandra Hess, son Gregory Hess (Lora) and granddaughters Abigail and Meredith.

There will be a Celebration Of His Life on Monday, November 30, 2015, at 2 pm in the Maury Smeltzer Lounge at Hillcrest Homes, 2701 Mountain View Drive in La Verne, CA.