Theodore 'Ted' Hessler

Theodore “Ted” Hessler of Homosassa, Fla., and formerly from Hamburg, N.J., died on Aug. 20, 2015, at the age of 88 in his home. Born in New York City on Feb. 27, 1927, to Theodore Oswald Hessler and Helen Hessler, the family eventually settled in Libertyville, where he grew up and attended Sussex schools. Ted married Beatrice M. “Toot” Stephens and settled in Hamburg, where they raised their family and lived for many years. Ted served honorably in the U.S. Army in Italy during WWII. Upon his discharge he worked several places, including the zinc mines in Franklin. When the mines closed, he started and operated several businesses, including excavating, paving, water well drilling, garbage collection, septic systems, lawn care, ready-mix concrete and a sand and gravel business. Ted and Beatrice both retired in 1985 and moved to Florida.

During his life he made many friends and business associates and was known to have great wit and wisdom to share with everyone.

Mr. Hessler was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Beatrice, his sisters Meta Blanchard and Rosetta Lee, his brothers, Theodore A. Hessler and Paul J. Hessler, and his granddaughter, Shelley Sonderman. Surviving are his sister Margaret DeLand of Thornton, Colo., his daughters Marlene Hessler of Manchester, N.J., and Bonnie Yunkunis of Hamburg, N.J., and his sons, Ted and wife, Anne of Hardyston, N.J., and Paul and wife, Debbie, of Marlton, N.J. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and his best friend Nancy Staples of Homosassa.

Friends called Monday, Aug. 24 from 6-8 p.m. at The F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, 1 Main St. Franklin, N.J. A graveside funeral service and interment will be held Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. at the North Hardyston Cemetery, N.J. Memorial contributions may be made in Theodore’s memory to: Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34464. For online condolences and directions, see www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.