John Hess

John (Jack) Yeager Hess, 87, of East Longmeadow, died at his home on May 26, 2022. Jack was the son of the late Dorothy (Sturgis) and Frank W. Hess. He graduated from Agawam High School, Class 1953. He proudly served our country in the United States Amy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955. He was employed in security work at Pratt & Whitney and Baystate West. In the past he had also served on the Wilbraham Police Department. His real passion was in construction, building and remodeling houses. In his retirement years he enjoyed working in his woodworking shop making cupolas and historical shadow boxes. He was interested in local history spending a lot of time researching people and places, and belonged to several historical groups. Jack authored several books, the most recent being on the Springfield Police Department and the History of East Longmeadow. In 2002 Jack was honored by the East Longmeadow Lions Club with the Distinguished Citizen Award. He belonged to antique car clubs, having started the Knox Automobile Club, a company who built cars in Springfield during the early 1900’s. He also enjoyed round and square dancing. Jack is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sheila (Morse) Hess and, sisters Dr. Marian Higgins (Dr. Larry Higgins)of San Antonio, Texas and Jan Musgrove of King City, Oregon, his daughter Carolyn O’Donnell and son Douglas Hess of Hampden, step-sons, Douglas Falconer of Orlando, Florida, and Gary (Julie) Falconer of Hampden, 11 grandchildren and two step great grandsons. A stepson, Donald Falconer, died in an accident in 1977. Family and friends will gather and remember Jack on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 3p.m. at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Arrangements entrusted to the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield.