Obituary of Carl August Hess, III

Carl August Hess III, 85, passed away on February 11, 2026, at Morristown Medical Center. He was born in Elizabeth, NJ, grew up in Verona, and lived in Madison, NJ, for most of his life.

After graduating from Verona High School, he went on to obtain his undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas and his Master’s degree from Montclair State University. He worked as a teacher and elementary school Physical Education teacher and finally as a Guidance Counselor for the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District.

Over the years, Carl’s skill for soccer was acknowledged as Co-Captain of the 1957 State Championship Soccer Team and he was voted into the Verona High School Soccer Hall of Fame. He received many awards which included: SCOA Man of the Year Award, NJSCA Red Rice Award, NJSOA Hall of Fame Award, ISOANJ Man of the Year and Linesman of the Year Awards, and NFIOA Official of the Year Award. Soccer was his passion! Not only did he play soccer after college, but he also officiated at games for over 30 years.

Carl was married to the love of his life, Susan Stirone Hess, for 57 years. He is also survived by his devoted daughters, Jennifer Taylor (Steve), Chesterfield, VA, and Carrie Hess (Jon), Lawai, Kauai, HI, as well as his cherished grandchildren, Ian Taylor and Joshua Taylor; his brother, Robert Hess, and his wife, Barbara, Stevens Hess, and his wife, Patricia, sister-in-law, Barbara Nichols; in addition to many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Carl A. Hess, Jr. and Helen Clemensen Hess, his sister, Helen Lowe, and his brother-in-law, Leo Nichols.

As an avid gardener, Carl took pride in cultivating his garden which abundantly produced enough for him to donate to the Interfaith Food Panty, as well as share with his friends and neighbors.

In his spare time, Carl loved traveling, especially to Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Jersey shore. He also volunteered his time as a former Manager and Trustee of the Madison Community Pool for many years.

Above all, Carl was devoted to his family – He loved his family before all else.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 4-7pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main St., Madison, NJ. A Memorial Mass for Carl will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:30am at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison, NJ. A private interment of ashes will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations may be made in Carl’s memory to the charity of your choice.