WOLFEBORO --- Gerald "Jerry" Hess, dedicated educator, proud Army veteran, and much loved family member, passed away peacefully on June 12th at the age of 82.

Born in Milford CT, Jerry lived a life marked by service, learning, and civic engagement. After completing a year of college, Jerry felt called to enlist in the United States Army in the early 1960s. He was stationed in West Berlin just after the Berlin Wall was constructed. He was a military police officer, and due to his performance was assigned to sensitive posts. His experience watching the harsh oppression of the people of East Berlin seeking freedom from the Iron Curtain greatly shaped his belief in the responsibility of all to protect democracy.

After honorably serving in the Army, Jerry returned to the states and college, completing a bachelor's degree in history, and then master's and 6th year degrees in Education. Over his nearly 40-year teaching career he taught every age group, from elementary through adult education. He was passionate about supporting kids and a zealous advocate for students with learning differences. During retirement Jerry continued his support of kids in need by volunteering with organizations including End 68 Hours of Hunger.

Colored by his experiences in Berlin, he was an active member of the Democratic Party, believing strongly in civic responsibility, public service, community involvement, and helping others. Whether writing editorials, volunteering, attending local meetings, or advocating for causes he cared about, Jerry worked tirelessly to make the community and the country a better place for everyone.

Above all, Jerry was a devoted husband, parent, grandparent, and sibling, who cherished family and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity, perseverance, faith, love of variety (especially of food!), and for the lasting impact he made on countless lives.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith Hess; his daughter Jennifer Tichy and her husband Gerald; his son Scott Hess and his wife Sara, and their children; his siblings Benjamin "Spike" Hess and his wife Rosalie, Jacquelyn Hess-Sperry, Martin Newman and his wife Joanne, and Deborah Newman; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and James Thomas; as well as many nieces and nephews.

An outdoor service with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Lake View Cemetery, North Main St, Wolfeboro, NH. Comfortable, cheerful attire is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to End 68 Hours of Hunger.