General Information

Full Name: Fritz Hess
Date of Death:  Sunday, March 17, 2019

Dr. Fritz Hess passed away on March 16, 2019.

Dr. Hess is mourned by his loving wife of 65 years, Lillian; by his son Steven who resides in Fayetteville, NY, Daniel and his wife Jane and children, Jesse and Emily of Millwood, NY and Dr. Ronald Hess, his wife Teresa and children, Noah, Hannah and Samantha who reside in West Chester, Ohio.  He has many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the United States with whom he was very close. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his wife, children and grandchildren. He was an exceptionally wonderful husband and father; caring, warm, loving, giving and always available. He enjoyed golf and sports activities, especially SU basketball.  He was an avid reader and often read two or three books each week.

Dr. Hess was a member of the Fraternal Order of Masons, Lodge #438, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Syracuse, NY, Temple Tigris Shrine.

He will be remembered for more than thirty-five years of dedicated service on behalf of students, parents and teachers in New York State schools.  He was known as the “Dean of Superintendents”. Dr. Hess was a strong advocate of quality education for all children and served as the Superintendent of the East Syracuse-Minoa district for 21 years.

Dr. Hess was born in Lasphe, Germany.  At four years of age, Fritz and his family were forced out of their home by gestapo.  They ultimately made their way to safety in America and purchased a small farm in Upstate New York.  That early experience was etched into Fritz’s being so that he loved America and all that this country represented.

Dr. Hess had a strong faith in God to guide him through many challenges.  He is remembered for his caring, compassion, friendship and giving. He was a very competent mentor and seemed to motivate folks to bring out their best.  Throughout his life, Dr. Hess was a shining example of a “mensch”, a man of honor.

Dr. Hess graduated from SUNY at Cortland, received a Master’s degree from Syracuse University and a doctorate from TC Columbia University.  He had a distinguished career in education including the following: New York State Council of School Superintendents 1990 distinguished service award; Syracuse University School of Education Honored Alumnus for 1990; Phi Delta Kappa 1993 Educator of the Year.  He was president in 1981 of the New York State Council of School Superintendents. Dr. Hess was an adjunct visiting professor at Syracuse University and Ohio University; chairperson of numerous New York State education committees, e.g. Division of Educational Facilities Planning; State Examination Board, Committee for School Administrators; Committee on Reading Effectiveness Measures; Speaker at numerous state and national educational organizations.  He was selected in 1984 by the Executive Educator as one of North America’s top school executives; in 1989 as one of the North America’s 100 Veteran School Administrators; Journal of Learning Disabilities Editorial Advisory Board; Chairperson, Middle States of Colleges and Secondary Schools-Visiting Committee Chairperson; Chairperson Board of Visitors School of Education Syracuse University; NYS Comptrollers on School Fiscal Matters; United Cerebral Palsy of Central New York (ENABLE) – President 1986-88; NYS Education Conference Board – Chairperson 1992.

Dr. Hess proudly served in the US Army 1953-1955.  He was founder and editor of the New York State Council Journal 1980-83.  He authored many position papers and articles on education issues.

Family funeral at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ.

Condolences:

LillianandFritz@aol.com

or

Hess Family

1905 Atlantic St.

Melbourne Beach, FL 32951