Matthew F. Hess

Matthew F. Hess age 46 passed away on April 1, 2021 at the US Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands where he called home for the past seven years. He was loved dearly and will be profoundly missed by his devoted and beloved wife Pamela (nee Perreault), sons Ryan and Sean, his mother Carol (Dowd) Hess and his sister, Rachel (Hess) Hynes. He also loved and was loved by his in-laws, the Perreault family in New Hampshire. He is predeceased by his father, Fran Hess. Matt was born and raised in Berlin, NJ. He is a 1993 graduate of Eastern H.S. He joined the Army Reserves in 1992 and went active duty in 1994, joining the Elite Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit. While stationed in Grafenwoehr Germany he met the love of his life Pam, who was also serving her country in the US Army. They were married in 2000. In 2001, immediately after the attack on 9-11, he was deployed to Afghanistan, where he was injured in combat losing his leg. SSgt Hess served his country honorably and is the recipient of the Bronze star, Purple Heart, two US Army Commendation Medals, Air Assault Badge, Senior EOD Badge as well as Army Good Conduct Medals. While serving in the Army, Matt obtained his BS degree in computer science from the University of Maryland, but he returned to his love of EOD for employment. Matt was a gun enthusiast and avid scuba diver. He obtained his Technical Diver certification and pursued his passion by diving the WWII wreaks of Chuk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll. He and Pam were also active members of the Kwajalein MIA Project, a group of volunteer divers whose mission is to locate lost planes and ships from WWII, giving closure to families of those lost at sea. Matt was an inspiration to many as he would often be seen running or biking around Kwajalein. Last year he completed his first Triathlon and was training for his second this year, despite the loss of his leg. Quite the accomplishment! He was a quiet soul and never complained. He was well known for his dry sense of humor as well as his sarcasm! He gained many special friendships around the world which he cherished deeply and was respected and admired by all who knew him. Matt loved his family so deeply, never missing a sporting event of his sons and spending countless hours making intricate Halloween costumes with them. They traveled together seeing Japan, New Zealand, Micronesia as well as many parts of the USA. He will be sorely missed by family and friends. The family will graciously accept donations in the name of Matthew F. Hess to the EOD Warriors Foundation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service with Military Honors, 12:00pm on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at Paris Caterers, 281 Cross Keys Rd., Berlin, NJ 08009. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Relatives and friends will have an opportunity to greet the family and extend their condolences at the luncheon following the service.