Darren Hess - Obituary

arren Ressler Hess died Tuesday, April 10, at home in Berwyn Heights, MD. He was thirty-seven. Darren was a devoted and beloved husband, son, and brother. He leaves his wife Ann Wooten Hess; his mother Terry Road Hess, his sister Katherine Hess; and a loving extended family. Darren was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania and raised in Silver Spring, MD, the son of the late James Kenneth Hess. After graduating from the Washington Ethical Society high school in 1993, he attended the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in History. In 2008, he received a Masters Degree in Environmental Management from the University of Maryland, University College. Darren worked with plants and landscaping, primarily with Maryland Park and Planning and at the National Zoo. He earned and held certificates in horticulture and registered arborist and pesticide application. Darren was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of plants, animals, and history. He enjoyed caring for many fish, birds, cats, dogs, and a lizard. He cared deeply about the humane treatment of animals. His favorite vacations were to Walt Disney World and the beach with his wife. He also like to hike the mountain, Old Rag, and completed that trail many times with his father. Darren had a passion for reading, particularly Travels with Charley by Steinbeck, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Mark Twain. He conscientiously followed his favorite television series (The Sopranos, History of Britain with Simon Schema, and Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett topped the list). In addition, Darren could always be counted on to enjoy a meal, and finish the leftovers of those around him. He will be greatly missed. His viewing will be on Tuesday, April 17, from 6-8 at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill MD. His funeral will be Wednesday, April 18 at noon. Interment will be private. There will be a repast at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1633 Tucker Road, Fort Washington, MD. Please leave your thoughts and memories of Darren by signing the guestbook located to your right.