Alfred J. Hess

Al Hess, 92 years old from Vero Beach, Florida, died peacefully this past Monday morning May 15th after a short but intense battle with pancreatic cancer. Diagnosed in late March, the cancer progressed quickly and took him home to heaven to be with God and his sweet wife, Joan, who passed away back in 2018.

Al was born on Long Island in Bay Shore, New York on September 18, 1930.  He was the second son, born to Alfred and Dora Hess.  Al’s parents were both immigrants to America, coming through Ellis Island in the early 1900’s having come from Switzerland and Holland.  He grew up and went to school in nearby Lindenhurst, New York.  He started college at night going to St. John’s University, studying accounting.  His education was interrupted by a call to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War conflict.  Al was honorably discharged after his father became ill and subsequently finished his education at Hofstra University, working and going to school at night.

Al married the love of his life, Joan, in August of 1954.  Together they raised six children (Kathy Joe, Tom, Al, Bill, and Mary) in Oakdale, New York.  Along the way they took in and raised a Vietnamese refugee child (Nguyet Nguyen).

Al worked in the concrete business most of his adult life, founding Star Ready Mix with four partners back in 1973 (?).  After retiring in 1989, Al and Joan moved to Vero Beach, Florida where he has lived the past 33 plus years of his life.

Al loved his family – his wife, Joan of 64 years, his children, their spouses, all twelve grandkids and 4 great grandkids.  Al also loved life and loved being involved in the community.  Here in Vero Beach Al volunteered at Samaritan’s House, Meals On Wheels (30+ years), and at the VNA Hospice House.  Al started volunteering at the Hospice House after his wife, Joan, passed away there September 1^st, 2018.  Al also loved playing tennis and golf and for years he was an avid runner, having completed numerous half marathons, and 5 and 10K races.

Al loved to make people laugh and he loved to encourage and brighten people’s days along the way.  One of his favorite greetings with almost everyone he would meet – “Thank you for what you do.”  Al was loved by many and will be missed greatly by his family and friends.  Because of his great faith, we all know we’ll see him again in heaven.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.