Frederick Marsh Hess Jr., lovingly known as Fred, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 22, 2026, eight months after the unexpected passing of his beloved wife of 53 years, Denise Ann Hess. Together, Fred and Denise shared a life grounded in love, adventure, service, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Born in Philadelphia on July 2, 1946, Fred was the son of the late Frederick Marsh Hess Sr. and Betty Hess. A lifelong servant to his community, Fred built a remarkable and unconventional career defined by compassion, leadership, and dedication to helping others.

Fred began his professional life in funeral service, attending funeral school in New York before pursuing a career as an undertaker. Seeking broader opportunities to care for others, he returned to school and completed his respiratory therapy training at the University of Pennsylvania. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in supervision and management from Gwynedd Mercy University. Early in his medical career, Fred helped establish respiratory therapy departments at Germantown Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He later worked alongside Denise in medical sales and education with Marquette Electronics, where they trained surgeons and cardiac specialists throughout the region.

While building a successful medical career, Fred never lost his passion for public service. In Pennsylvania, he served as a police officer for Towamencin Township and dedicated more than 20 years as Chief of Ambulance for the Harleysville community. He was also a charter life member of the Harleysville Fire Company and became widely respected throughout Harleysville and surrounding communities as a committed first responder, mentor, and leader.

Fred made the extraordinary decision to return to the police academy in Florida, ultimately beginning his full-time law enforcement career with the Palm Beach Police Department as a 50-year-old rookie in December 1996. Through hard work, integrity, and unmatched enthusiasm for service, he rose through the ranks to Sergeant in 2003 and Captain in 2008. In 2011, he became the department’s Training and Community Relations Coordinator, serving as public information officer and helping strengthen ties between the department and the community he loved.

During his distinguished law enforcement career, Fred received numerous honors, including three Officer of the Month recognitions, 57 departmental and citizen commendations, the Chief’s Life-Saving Award in 1998, and Kiwanis Officer of the Year in 2006. He was also twice nominated for The Palm Beach Post Distinguished Law Officer of the Year Award.

Above all else, Fred cherished his family and the life he shared with Denise. Together they traveled the world, restored a beloved home in Scotland, and adored their dogs — Duncan, Julius, Gumri, and Farley — who brought them endless joy.

Fred is survived by his sister-in-law Anita Timmins; his niece Christi Kelly; his nephew Nicklaus Kelly (Kristen); and nieces Anna, Payton, Lily, and Daphne. He is also survived by many loving cousins, friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, loyalty, and steadfast commitment to service.

Fred will be remembered as a man who reinvented himself fearlessly, served others selflessly, and loved deeply. His life was defined not by titles, but by the countless people he helped, protected, mentored, and inspired along the way.

Viewing – Wednesday June 3, 2026
Holy Trinity Armenian Church
101 Ashmead Road
Cheltenham, PA 19012

Viewing 10:00 to 10:30am
Service 10:30am
Interment will follow in Salford Mennonite Church Cemetery in Harleysville