William James Hess' Obituary
William James Hess, born in Pittsfield, MA to parents Xavier Francis Hess and Louise Michel Hess, passed away October 29, 2013 in Tucson, AZ from age related illness. He was 93. Bill was a very kind, generous, forgiving man of great integrity, blessed with engineering and mechanical skills and had a love of nature and all of life's offerings. After serving in the Civilian Conservation Corp in Pittsfield, he enlisted in the Army during 1942 and first trained under Gen. Patton's armored division before transferring to the United States Army Air Corp where he first served two terms as waist gunner, flight engineer and observer, flying in B-17's and B-26's over Europe during WWII. He received many awards for his service and even though he was injured but survived several plane crashes and midair explosions, in his humbleness, refused to accept the Purple Heart. He was in the Air Force Reserve thereafter. After military service he joined the Pittsfield Police Force. Thereafter he worked for General Electric in their space and missile division where he earned recognition for his design skills. During his years Bill also enjoyed home construction and nearly single handedly built at least 24 homes. His survivors are: 1st wife, Rose Ruffo Hess and 2nd wife, Virginia Hudson Hess; sister, Evelyn Tyska; sons, Bill, Jr. and Christopher Hess; stepchildren, Eric Stollberg and Lynnette O'Bryan; granddaughter, Katy Mae Hess; step grandsons, Tyler and Reid Stollberg and Austin and Nicholas Muncy; nephews, Walter "Skip" Little, Ernie, Bruce, Paul, Michael, Frank and Joey Hess, Alfred and Jonathon Tyska; nieces, Ruth Gatz, Claire Marchand, Anna McGriff, Barbara White, Sharon Sullivan, Ruth Pepoon, Sue Zuber, Louise Guyer, Donna Rochelo, Marie Coe, Joyce Sunskis, Christine Klink and Caroline DeGroat; plus many great and 2nd great nephews and nieces. Private services were held October 31, 2013 in Tucson, AZ. Remembrances in his name should be to your favorite charity.
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