Thomas Hess Obituary
Thomas R. Hess, 89, a resident of Tel Hai Retirement Community, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Reading Hospital. He was the husband of Betty Shirk Hess. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Edward B. and Louise F. Densel Hess. Thomas was the president and owner of West Philadelphia Machine Works, a company that his father started, for 38 years. He was a graduate of Warwick High School class of 1952. He was a member of the Robeson Lutheran Church. Tom was very involved in the community and was a life member of the Twin Valley Fre Department and the Elverson Fire Department and had served as chief at Elverson for many years. He was a member of the Chester County Fireman's Association, the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, the PA Forest Fire Museum Association, the Union Historical Fire Society, and the Reading Area Firefighters Museum. He had served as a Scoutmaster of Elverson Troop 37, was a member of the Twin Valley School Authority for 11 years, was a member of the Elverson Antiques Show for 28 years, had served on Elverson Borough Council for 28 years, was the Elverson Borough Emergency Management Coordinator for 15 years, and had been a PA Forest Fire Warden since 1968. He enjoyed participating in the Train Room at Tel Hai. Surviving besides his wife are two grandchildren, Emily Anne Hess and Riley Robert Hess. He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce R. Hess and by brothers, Edward and James Hess. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 6, at 10:00 A.M. at the Chapel at Tel Hai Retirement Community, 11200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA with Chaplain Tim Herr officiating. Friends may at the Chapel on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment in the Caernarvon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Twin Valley Fire Department, 4456 West Main St., Elverson, PA 19520. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.GroffEckenroth.com Arrangements by the Groff High Funeral Home, New Holland, PA
