Robert G. Hess Obituary

Robert G. Hess attended Chartiers Valley High School in Bridgeville, PA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Robert G. Hess.

Graduation Year	Class of 1973
Date of Passing	Aug 11, 2025
About	Robert Garfield Hess (72), of Upper St. Clair, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, August 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rob was surrounded by his wife and three sons. Rob graduated from Chartiers Valley High School in 1973 and eventually went on to receive a BA from The University of Pittsburgh. Rob’s greatest achievement, however, was when he met his beloved wife, Joan, at Conneaut Lake. He would eventually marry her there, which would begin years of adventures full of love, laughter, water sports on the lake, little league, high school, and college sports games with his sons. He was a “boy dad” through and through, and as a graceful natural athlete himself cherished these times with his sons as well as embracing them for their individuality. Rob’s legacy as a “jack of all trades” included careers as a confident business owner. He successfully owned companies in window washing, property management, and sporting goods (where he loved to brag about meeting Bob Marley’s band). In retirement he worked as a school bus driver for Bethel Park School District. Rob lived a fulfilling life surfing the shores of Daytona Beach, golfing St. Andrew’s in Scotland, and traveled the world as a young man with his parents and siblings. Age was not a hindrance for Rob, as he even participated in wakeboarding competitions and rode his beloved motorcycle (a 1970 Bonneville Triumph, to be exact), well into his 50s. In both sickness and in health, Rob was known to be one of the most positive people you could meet. Challenging health issues did not stop him from loving on his grandbabies, enjoying watching sports, and spending time with his beloved family. One of his wife’s fondest memories in his final few weeks was a giant smile coming over his face when he would be shown pictures of his grandchildren. Rob was also able to provide comfort and strength to his family in his final days, often telling them “don’t be sad.” Rob leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. The traits that he was able to pass down to his sons will last for generations to come – his kind nature, his humor, his strong work ethic, his wild stories, his love of coffee, his handiness and love for tinkering, his handsome smile, and the sounds of his talented guitar playing filling the house are what he will be remembered for the most. Preceding him in death are his father, Emerson G. Hess, and mother, Ruth Ann Hess. Rob is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Joan Hess (McPherson), sons Jared Hess (Alexandra), Dustin Hess (Lexi), and Clay Hess. Rob is also survived by three siblings: Cindy Swartzwelder, Suzanne Watt, and Richard Hess (Ruthanne). Rob leaves behind four grandchildren whom he cherished: Crew Hess, Virginia Hess, Charles Hess, and another little boy due in December (Rob was honored to pick the name before he passed). Rob will forever be known as “daddy” to his loved ones, and “the coolest guy around” by everyone who knew him. Funeral services will be private.