Obituary of Edward W. Hess, Sr.

Edward W. Hess, Sr., age 101, of Middletown Twp., Media, PA, died Friday, January 8, 2021. Ed was born in Sharon Hill, PA to the late Alan F. Sr. and Hilda B. Hess. He grew up in the Chester area attending Chester Schools. Like many in the depression era, Ed left school in the 10th grade, to help support the family and later he was able to get his GED and take college level courses. In 1939, Ed gained employment at Baldwins (later Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton) in Eddystone, first as a machinist, and later as a quality control inspector. Except for his military service, Ed remained there until they closed in 1972. Ed then operated a Shell Service Station in Westtown, until he was able to land a job with Stone and Webster Engineering as a quality control inspector. Retiring in 1986, bored with retirement, Ed went to work at JC Penny’s at Granite Run Mall, retiring a second time in 2000. During WWII, Ed was called to service in the Army, in the Spring of 1943. After doing basic training in Mississippi, Ed arrived in North Africa in November of 1943, joining the 34th infantry division. In January 1944 the 34th landed in Italy. There Ed was involved in action at Rapido River (Aka Blood River) at Cassino, and later joining the action at the Anzio Beach Head. After the Break-out at Anzio, he was a part of the run up to Rome. Ed's Platoon was part of the first group of Allies to enter and liberate Rome (6/2/1944). All this occurred before the allied invasion of Normandy (6/6/1944). The fighting continued North through Italy until V-E Day, where Ed was in Northeast Italy near the Yugoslav border. Ed came home from Europe November, 1945, remaining in the reserves until 1952. He reached the rank of Master Sgt. In May 1946, Ed married his best friend, the former Anna Baumert, living first in Glenolden and then moving to Middletown in 1952. Together they had 2 sons, Edward Jr and Richard. Ed was active in various organizations, The Lima Fire Company, and a Sunday School Teacher at Calvary Episcopal Church, Rockdale and a Scout Leader for 30 years with Troop #357, in Lansdowne, a troop organized for mentally disabled children and young men. Also, Ed was very active with the VFW Post #3460 and American Legion Post #93 in Media, PA. He would often be seen on State Street, in Media, handing out Poppies during parades until last Spring. Beside his parents, Ed was predeceased by his wife, Anna (2000) and Son, Richard (2017), his brothers, Alan Jr., Charles, Louis and Robert. His sisters, Jane (Babe), Dorothy (King) and Margaret (Lowe). Ed is survived by his son, Edward, Jr., cousins, nephews, nieces and grandchildren. Because of Covid, burial was private. A Memorial Service will be held later, when we can freely meet and gather. The family requests any memorial gifts be sent to: Resurrection Episcopal Church, 2131 Mount Road, Aston, PA 19014, and or Media VFW Post # 3460 or American Legion #93, Media, PA.