Richard L. Hessert

Richard L. Hessert, 87, of Rumson, New Jersey, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on the morning of March 30, 2021 after a lengthy battle with dementia and later, COVID.

Dick was born in DuBoistown on September 29, 1933 to father George L. Hessert Sr. and mother Elizabeth (Denius) Hessert-Heilman. The youngest of three sons, Dick graduated from South Williamsport High School, where he played all-state football. He was drafted into the U.S. Army after graduation and was stationed in Berlin, Germany during the Korean War as a combat engineer. His job was to wire bridges between East and West Berlin with explosives to curtail the Soviets. Upon exiting the military, Dick attended Lycoming College, graduating with a degree in mathematics. Soon after, Dick was hired at Geisinger Medical Center to set up one of the first dialysis labs in the country. Dick attended the University of Washington, Seattle, for extensive training in dialysis. Dick became a pioneer in the dialysis field, helping to set up many labs across the country. He also co-invented the suitcase kidney machine. Dick eventually went into business operating Richmond Dialysis and Brooklyn Home Dialysis Training.

Dick was known for his incredibly hard work ethic, generosity and intelligence. His favorite book was “Atlas Shrugged”, his favorite food was peanut butter and his favorite ice cream–butter pecan. Dick was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and camping. He also loved fishing the waterways of New Jersey in his boat. He liked to bike the coast of New Jersey near his home. He loved restoring cars, especially Classics and Triumphs. In retirement, Dick took to renovating homes for his family members. Home improvement was always a hobby with him and he was a true “handyman”.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, George Jr. and James. He is survived by his ex-wife, Betty Ann, and current wife of 48 years, Lesley Jane; children, Monica Hessert, Kathy Creveling, and Richard Hessert (first marriage); Kenneth Hessert, Jeffrey Hessert, Melinda Tucci, and Whitney Hessert (current marriage); 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Dick’s family has chosen to have no services during COVID. A military ceremony will be held on a future date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dick’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association. Links are as follows: http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or https://act.alz.org/site/Donation.