Edward L. Hess

Edward L. Hess


Edward L. Hess, 90, of Hellertown, died Friday in the Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown. He was the husband of the late Jean E. (Steigerwalt) Hess, who died in 1992.

Born in Lower Saucon Township, he was a son of the late Edward E. and Wortha M. (Walp) Hess.

A graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in electrical engineering, he was employed in the electrical department of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 40 years before retiring in 1980. While employed there, he received two patents in the electrical safety equipment field.

He was a member of New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lower Saucon Township, where he formerly served on the Council.

He was a Past Worshipful Master of the former Hellertown Lodge No. 569, F. & A.M., and a member of Lehigh Consistory, Valley of Allentown.

An avid antique car restorer and collector, he was a member of the Kaiser-Fraser International Automobile Club and the Ontelaunee Antique Car Club, and enjoyed camping with the Scotty Club. He also enjoyed traveling the country in his 1949 Kaiser Traveler.

Hess was past president and treasurer of the Hellertown/Lower Saucon School Board in 1965; a member of the Lower Saucon Historical Society; and served on the board of the Northampton County Agricultural Extension.

Surviving are four sons, Edward G., and his wife, Linda, of Salisbury Township, the Rev. David L., and his wife, Linda, of Slatington, John J., and his wife, Janet, of Clarks Summit, and Samuel J., and his wife, Irene, of Hellertown; two daughters, Christine E., at home, and Carolyn J. Gough of Lehighton; a foster son, Michael Gerstenberg of Moorestown; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.