03.12.09
Robert Paul Hess, a longtime pigment industry figure, died Feb. 1, 2009. He was 57.
Mr. Hess, who had worked with Magruder Color, Radiant Color and Day-Glo during his career, was always known as a friendly, fun man who could make people laugh.
“We are all sad to lose a good friend,” said Darren Bianchi, president of Brilliant Color, who worked with Mr. Hess at Radiant Color for 15 years. “All who knew him have numerous stories to tell. Bob was quick-witted and could light up a room, whether with a trumpet in hand or as Hulk Hogan/Hess.
“Though he lived many years in California, he was always a Jersey boy,” Mr. Bianchi added. “While that exterior could sometimes seem rough, he had a humongous heart and he cared deeply for those around him. While swept away before his time, we take some solace in the fact that he lived life fully and had many lifetimes of experience. Our hearts go out to his wife and four sons and beloved granddaughter. He will be deeply missed.”
Mike Guzzo, sales manager U.S. for Dominion Colour, first met Mr. Hess in 1975. “We became really good friends,” Mr. Guzzo recalled. “Bob was a great guy, a fun guy. He was a real character. There were times he would go on sales calls wearing a Superman costume under his shirt and call himself ‘Magruder Man,’ and other times he would dress up as Elvis Presley, and he was so effective because everyone liked him.”
Mr. Hess is survived by his wife of 36 years, Laurie; his sons, Andrew, Phillip, Adam and Christopher and wife Jennifer, and granddaughter, Guinevere.
“I’ve known Bob since we were in fifth grade, and all I can say is that I miss him,” said Laurie Hess. “He was a fun guy.”
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Mr. Hess’ name to the SPCA, the Fairfield Animal Shelter or Community United Methodist Church, 1875 Fairfield Ave., Fairfield, CA 94533.
Mr. Hess, who had worked with Magruder Color, Radiant Color and Day-Glo during his career, was always known as a friendly, fun man who could make people laugh.
“We are all sad to lose a good friend,” said Darren Bianchi, president of Brilliant Color, who worked with Mr. Hess at Radiant Color for 15 years. “All who knew him have numerous stories to tell. Bob was quick-witted and could light up a room, whether with a trumpet in hand or as Hulk Hogan/Hess.
“Though he lived many years in California, he was always a Jersey boy,” Mr. Bianchi added. “While that exterior could sometimes seem rough, he had a humongous heart and he cared deeply for those around him. While swept away before his time, we take some solace in the fact that he lived life fully and had many lifetimes of experience. Our hearts go out to his wife and four sons and beloved granddaughter. He will be deeply missed.”
Mike Guzzo, sales manager U.S. for Dominion Colour, first met Mr. Hess in 1975. “We became really good friends,” Mr. Guzzo recalled. “Bob was a great guy, a fun guy. He was a real character. There were times he would go on sales calls wearing a Superman costume under his shirt and call himself ‘Magruder Man,’ and other times he would dress up as Elvis Presley, and he was so effective because everyone liked him.”
Mr. Hess is survived by his wife of 36 years, Laurie; his sons, Andrew, Phillip, Adam and Christopher and wife Jennifer, and granddaughter, Guinevere.
“I’ve known Bob since we were in fifth grade, and all I can say is that I miss him,” said Laurie Hess. “He was a fun guy.”
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Mr. Hess’ name to the SPCA, the Fairfield Animal Shelter or Community United Methodist Church, 1875 Fairfield Ave., Fairfield, CA 94533.