Joseph T. Hesson

Joseph T. Hesson, 65, died on June 14, 2021 after battling ALS. A beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Joe was a man of many talents and continuously re-invented himself.

He was born in Philadelphia on May 28, 1956 to Catherine and James Hesson. He worked as a mailman for 20 years, and then became an entrepreneur. Joe started a successful water ice business, Solar Polar, in Ocean City, MD. After 10 years, Joe moved the business to Philadelphia, where he cared for his aging parents, and reconnected with friends. After several years, he joined Upper Moreland as a bus driver, bringing joy to the kids day after day, rallying them around Philly sports teams or celebrating holidays in silly costumes.

Joe is best known for his humor and quick wit. His one-liners were unmatched. He could break tension with ease and bring laughter to any situation. He was the guy you wanted to sit next to at the dinner table. Humor was his special gift that he loved to share. Joe also loved animals, especially his springer spaniels, George and Wilson. He was an avid Beatles fan, and Here comes the Sun was his favorite song.

Joe was a caregiver through and through. He was the primary caregiver for both his parents in their final years.

He delivered the mail with a smile. He happily made and served water ice, because he knew a simple treat makes people smile. Joe was the silly bus driver so loved by the kids because he made them laugh and smile. George and Wilson were most content by his side and in his lap. Many may not know that Joe also spent years caring for his friend Shawn, who battled ALS, just as Joe would several years later. Joe wrote these words to Shawn, which can be mirrored right back at Joe:

“You were always a good, caring friend who was always concerned about how everyone else was doing, even while a cowardly disease was ravaging your body. The way your family and friends rallied around you was a testament to your life. During the whole ordeal, you battled courageously, while keeping your dignity, your sense of humor and compassion for others. I remember reading once about someone that had died after a long battle with an illness. The writer remarked that too often when that occurred, the person's obituary would say that he or she had lost that battle… this writer preferred to believe that they had won… if that kind of thinking applies to anybody, it is you. ALS didn't beat you, you just ran out of time.”

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