David C. Hessler Sr.

David Christopher Hessler, Sr., was born in Cincinnati, OH, on June 4, 1937. Dave attended the following schools: Elgin Academy, Illinois; Bates College in Maine, and the University of  Mexico, Mexico. He received honors in life such as: The Bausch and Lomb Science Award and Medal, Quill and Scroll Award and Medal in writing, and a Medal with honors for Medical Electronics Research from Wright Patterson AeroSpace Lab in Ohio. He then traveled throughout the United States and Mexico before serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve for six years including one year of active duty. Dave was an electronics engineer and spent time working at Aero Services, Burroughs, NASA and Boeing Aerospace Company.  He also had a passion for working with the disabled community and was involved in developing a special prosthetic for blind people which led to him working at Overbrook School for the Blind. Dave was an active member of his local church and served as an elder and deacon. He and his wife, Jean Felsberg Hessler, lived in Marchwood for 32 years where they raised their family. Dave was fully dedicated to his family life and was always ready to drop everything to in order to help his children with a project or interest.  He nurtured the family’s interests in sailing, camping, music, and sporting activities in a way that always supported them but allowed them to choose their own paths. He was especially proud of his children’s many accomplishments. The grandchildren enjoyed his storytelling and talent for creative inventions. The way Dave prioritized family will serve as guidance to his children and grandchildren throughout their lives. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, two sons, David and Steven and one daughter, Kathleen; daughters-in-law Lori and Deb and son-in-law Harry; six grandchildren, Paul, Samuel, Zoë, Quinn, Isabel and Hope; sister Sherry and brother-in-law Julian; brother-in-law Ken Felsburg and sister-in-law Joan Felsburg Springer; and nieces and nephews, and many friends. Dave and Jean retired to Delaware for 15 years, returning to Exton six years ago to be closer to family and friends in the area. He will be missed by all. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2019 at Grace Covenant EPC Church, 444 Creamery Way, Suite 100, Exton, Pa.

Interment will be private with the family.

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