John Patrick Hession passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his children. A resident of Lafayette since 1978, he grew up in Hastings, England. Born on November 4, 1931, to John and Eileen Hession, he had two siblings, eldest sister Eileen and younger sister Rosemary.
As a young man, John worked in administration at St. Helen's hospital. At a dance, he met the love of his life, Maureen Ryan, who was studying nursing at the hospital. They married on February 8, 1956, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Hastings. That June, John and Maureen set out on a great adventure, crossing the Atlantic Ocean onboard the Queen Mary, to a new life in America.
Settling in San Jose, they started their family with the birth of their first son, Kevin, followed one year later with Michael, three years later with Eileen and three years later with Nancy.
John enjoyed a long, successful career with Dole Foods, beginning in San Jose in the late 1950s. In 1967, a career opportunity with Dole prompted a move to Brussels, Belgium, where their youngest son Chris was born. As a sales executive, John traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East. Living in Europe also introduced John and Maureen's children to various cultures and countries.
In 1978, the family moved back to the United States to live in Lafayette. John continued working for Dole until he retired in 1992. His favorite pastimes included playing golf with his friends at Tilden Park Golf Course in the Berkeley hills.
Married for 66 years, John and Maureen loved being around their family including grandchildren Kathryn, Peter, Lauren, Nicole, Daniel, Conor, Claire and Sarah. They kept close ties with their family abroad through correspondence, phone calls and visits.
Parishioners for more than forty years at St. Perpetua Catholic Church, it became the center of their spiritual life for John and Maureen, who attended mass together and became greatly involved in the church community.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maureen, their dear daughter, Nancy Monaco, as well as his sisters Eileen Funnell and Rosemary Allan.
He is survived by his son Kevin and his wife Stephanie; son Michael and his wife Kristin; daughter Eileen (Dufau) and her husband Dave; son-in-law Kevin Monaco; son Chris and his wife Jamie; grandchildren Kathryn, Peter, Lauren, Nicole, Daniel, Conor, Claire and Sarah.
A memorial service will be held at 11:45 a.m., Friday, June 14, in the chapel at St. Perpetua Catholic Church, 3454 Hamlin Road, Lafayette. A private burial with the family will follow. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA