Drew Vincent Hess

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Drew grew up in Ewing, NJ, and graduated from Ewing High School. His father would say, “If you looked up mischievous in the dictionary, you would probably have found a picture of Drew.” He played travel soccer throughout middle and high school, rotating through various positions before settling in permanently as goalie. There, he formed lifelong friendships that continue to this day. Their affectionate “F*** you” to one another became a running tradition, but they loved and supported one another every step of the way.

His love for Philadelphia began at Temple University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. At Temple, he joined Sigma Pi Fraternity, forming friendships that endured for nearly 30 years.

Drew found his calling as a 12th-grade English teacher, a career he cherished for more than 20 years. He began his career in Philadelphia and most recently taught at Commonwealth Charter Academy. Over the years, he touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of young people, as well as his colleagues.

Did you know that he wanted to be a stand-up comedian? There might be a video out there to prove it. He could find humor in just about anything.

He was the ultimate sports fan, passionately cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Bears, Temple University basketball and football, New York Rangers, Chicago Bulls, and Formula 1 racing. For more than 20 years, he also served as commissioner of several (too many) fantasy sports leagues with his friends and family, a tradition that made every season complete.

After the birth of his daughter Maya, Drew embraced a healthier lifestyle and became an avid runner. He lost 105 pounds, joined Fishtown Beer Runners/Bucks County Beer Runners, and ran eight miles a day with only one day off. He was featured in an online article in Runner’s World. He achieved his goal of running the Boston Marathon and proudly wore a tattoo on his calf to commemorate it. He carried his passion for soccer into adulthood by joining a local men’s league, RiverTide.

Drew was a collector of baseball cards, a sneakerhead, and a devoted fan of his baseball hats. He loved Skittles, M&M’s, red pandas, owls (Temple Owls in particular), a good chicken cordon bleu, and, of course, a cold beer. He also enjoyed literature, but above all, he treasured time with his girls, Maya and Harper. He was an extraordinary father and the biggest supporter and cheerleader of his wife. He said he was trying to raise his girls with kindness, understanding, and empathy, and he hoped to pass those traits on to them, along with his unique humor, patience, optimism, and positivity.

Drew is survived by his beloved wife of 12 years, Linda (Lu) Hess; his daughters, Maya (11) and Harper (8); his father, Robert Hess, and his companion, Suzanne Turk; his mother, Mary Jo Colletti; his brother, Scott Hess; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephews. He also leaves behind his cherished cats, Walter and Payton, and his dogs, Jordan and Chase “Mutley.” Drew, of course, named them.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service, at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA. In true Drew fashion, the service will include an open mic, something he would have loved most of all.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Drew’s memory may be made to the Lower Makefield Library, Police Department, or Fire Department.