Arthur B. Hessinger

Arthur B. Hessinger died on May 21, 2025 at the age of 92. Born on June 26, 1932, the son of the late Frederick W. and Lena M. (Laszig) Hessinger, he would readily affirm that he had a good life.

Arthur grew up in Callicoon Center, NY, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse, helped his family in the Hessinger General Store, managed the store’s Ice Cream Parlor, and ran the boat house and concessions at Lake Anawanda, where he met his wife of 67 years Helen M. (Elle).

Arthur graduated from Columbia University; while a student, he was manager of the University’s football team. He had a long and successful career as an insurance agent with State Farm Insurance Company. Arthur and Helen raised their family on Long Island, where he deepened his connection to the Reformed Church in America, serving as a Deacon, Elder, delegate to the General Synod, and President of the Regional Synod of New York. He also served on the board of the Warwick Conference Center and was instrumental in creating the St. Paul’s Prayer Chapel at Warwick.

After retiring from State Farm, Arthur and Helen returned to live in Callicoon Center where they welcomed family and friends to the lake. He was a member of the United Reformed Church, Youngsville, NY and the Callicoon Center Fire Department, and volunteered with the Sullivan County Historical Society for twenty years, including serving as President of the Board. He was a regular blood donor and traveled both nationally and internationally on mission trips including recovery work after Hurricane Katrina. Arthur also enjoyed traveling to visit family, friends, or places of interest; in total visiting 41 countries during his lifetime.

In addition to his wife, he leaves three children, Lynn Burton and husband Gregg of Callicoon Center, NY, Mark Hessinger and wife Sonja of Charlotte, NC, and Diane Dukette and husband Louis of West Springfield, MA; six grandchildren, Kimberly, Erik, Patrick, Alessia, Luke, and Ethan; two great-granddaughters, Lillian and Mia; one nephew and five nieces. His brother Valentine predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 11 am at the United Reformed Church, Youngsville, NY; Firematic Services and Interment will follow at the Callicoon Center Cemetery, Callicoon Center, NY. 

Memorial gifts in Arthur’s honor can be made to the Callicoon Center Fire Department, PO Box 144, Callicoon Center, NY 12724; the Jeffersonville Volunteer First Aid Corps., PO Box 396, Jeffersonville, NY 12748; or the Hospice of Orange & Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.