Thomas R. Hess

Thomas R. Hess, age 76, longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 22, 2021.  He was born on July 20, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Raymond and Jessie (nee Lewis) Hess.  Thomas was united in marriage to Janet L. Preisel on November 2, 1991; they spent 29 loving years devoted to one another as husband and wife.

Thomas graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan; Class of 1962.  Following high school, he took a job working full time with Ford Motor Company while attending Henry Ford Community College.  Thomas then transferred to Michigan State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1966.  After graduating he joined the United States Army where he attended Infantry Officer Candidate School.  He went on to complete all the training necessary to become a Green Beret and proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Thomas returned to Detroit where he enrolled in Wayne State University Law School.  He graduated from Wayne State in 1972 and became a member of the both the Michigan Bar and Florida Bar.  Thomas moved to Daytona Beach, Florida and took a position with Ossinsky & Krol Law Firm.  After five years, Thomas became the managing partner of the firm and significantly expanded the practice.  He had many real estate ventures in Florida as well as being the co-owner and operator of multiple car dealerships and sponsored a team with NASCAR for 6 years. Thomas was actively involved in many community and charitable activities.  In 1984, he was honored as the Outstanding Man of the Year in Central Florida for his volunteer work with mentally handicapped and disabled citizens.  In 1990, Thomas moved back to the Detroit area and established his own law firm where he practiced for another 18 years.

Thomas was an avid sportsman and outdoors man.  He enjoyed playing volleyball with the City of Northville Parks and Recreation Over 50 Volleyball Group and pickup basketball.  He also enjoyed alpine skiing, kayaking, and bass fishing.  Thomas had an extensive American Flyer model train collection and display.  It took him over 9 years to build and was a complete layout that included a cityscape, a rural area, backdrops, bridges, tunnels, and even a Boblo boat.  Thomas was a lifelong Spartan fan, especially MSU basketball.  He served as an officer and director of the West Metro Detroit Michigan State University Alumni Association. Thomas was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend; he will be missed by all who loved him.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Janet L. Hess; his son, Raymond (Vanessa) Hess; his granddaughter, Hazel Hess; his brother, Victor (Nancy) Hess; his father-in-law, the Hon. Clayton Preisel; his sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Robert) Scimeme, Karen (Larry) Drake, and Kim Preisel; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends throughout Michigan and Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald Hess, and his brother-in-law James Preisel.

The family would like to acknowledge Angela Hospice and VA Hospital in Ann Arbor for their kind and compassionate care of Thomas.

Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, May 14, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Northville Historical Society , 215 Griswold St., Northville, MI 48167 or Gleaners Food Bank, 2131 Beaufait Street, Detroit, MI 48207.

Due to the State of Michigan limitations, there is a maximum number of people allowed inside the funeral home.  We are asking visitors to wear masks and practice social distancing.  If you are experiencing signs of cold or flu symptoms, please refrain from attending. You may be asked to wait before entering, thank you for your patience and understanding.