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Frederick R. Hesser, Jr. of Longfellow, 79, died peacefully in his sleep the morning of Sept. 14 following an extended illness.
Born to F. Ray Sr. and Elva Hesser on April 23, 1945, Fred graduated from Rothrock High School and Williamsport Tech.
He was the beloved husband of Gladys A. (DeVault) Hesser for more than 53 years, as well as the devoted father of Angela Mountain of Ambler and Kathryn Maurin of Pittsburgh. He considered the men his daughters married, Shawn Mountain and Jeff Maurin, to be his sons. Granddaughters Kylie Mountain and Tessa Mountain, both of Ambler, were his pride and joy.
Fred is also survived by a sister, Sarah (John Sr.) Allison of Reedsville, and a brother, Frank (Roxanne) Hesser of Longfellow, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Fern Sr. and Hope Moist of McVeytown.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Fred retired from Standard Steel in Burnham, where he worked as a shipping clerk. Over the course of his life, he also worked on a farm, driving an Archway Cookies delivery truck and at Allensville Planing Mill.
He was a member of Spring Run Church of the Brethren in McVeytown.
Fred enjoyed spending time with his dogs, fishing, hunting, gardening and watching sports, especially baseball. He played third base for his high school team. Later in life, he set up elaborate bird feeders and enjoyed watching the birds and other animals that came to visit.
Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Harshbarger Funeral Home, 3 South Market St., McVeytown.
A celebration of Fred's life will be held at Spring Run Church of the Brethren, 6712 Ferguson Valley Road, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Family and friends are invited to a meal at the Spring Run church following interment at the Pine Glen Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations be sent to Spring Run Church of the Brethren, PO Box 333, McVeytown, PA 17051, or to Family Hospice, Heart of Gratitude, 700 Bower Hill Road, Suite 1405, Pittsburgh, PA, 15243.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.harshbargerfuneralhome.com.