Douglas William Hess

Douglas William “Doug” Hess, age 74, of Newtown Square, PA, formerly of Springfield, PA, passed away on November 2, 2023.

Born in Ridley Park, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph W. Jr. and Sarah "Sally" (née Althoff)  Hess.

Doug was a graduate of Springfield High School, Class of 1967, where he excelled in wrestling and track and won a PIAA District 1 Championship in his senior year of wrestling competition. He also played football and enjoyed swimming at the Springfield Swim Club.  Doug received his Bachelor of Science Degree in physical education from West Chester State University, Class of 1971.  Doug competed in collegiate diving competitions while at WCU receiving both a state championship medal as well as many other awards in diving competitions.  During his time in college, he also served as the swimming and diving coach at St. Albans Swim Club in Newtown Square, where he had three consecutive undefeated seasons there. 

After college, Doug was employed as a physical education instructor and aquatic director for Girard College.

Doug was commissioned from Officers School of Military Sciences at Lackland AFB, TX in March of 1974. He graduated pilot training at Ft. Ricker, AL and was assigned to Hill AFB in Utah attending flight training school for handling of the largest jet powered helicopter in the Air Force, the HH-53.

Doug served his country honorably in the US Air Force during the Vietnam era.  He went on to work for the government as a law enforcement FBI Special Agent for 21 years.  After retirement, Doug enjoyed volunteering many years for both Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation and Big Brothers of America. 

Doug was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing, tennis, and other hobbies.  He spent many summers with “the crowd” at Avalon, NJ.

Doug is survived by his beloved partner, Patricia Reynolds.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation, Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 10:00 to 11:00 AM at The Knoetgen-Donohue Funeral Home, 746 Kedron Avenue, Morton, PA  19070, 610-544-0600, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.  Interment Eastlawn Cemetery, Milmont Park, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doug’s memory would be appreciated to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,

 https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076/#!/donation/checkout, and to Tunnel to Towers, https://t2t.org/donate/. While making your donation, check the box to “dedicate your donation in memory of Douglas Hess.”