Anthony "Tony" Paul Hessom, a longtime resident of Poway, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2023 at the age of 61 surrounded by his loving family.

Tony was born in Barstow, CA on August 8, 1961 to Lelia Jane (Poole) and William Gary Young Hessom.  He started working at Calico Ghost Town in Yerma, CA as a young man. He transitioned to lighting, entering the industry with Sylvania Lighting Services as a technician, progressing to JG Electric as Vice President, and then embracing his favorite role as National Accounts Director for FSG. With FSG, his many flights around the country created opportunities for him to connect with all walks of life.

He loved talking to people and hearing their stories; creating friends from strangers was a daily occurrence. He channeled that welcoming, curious, and kind energy into all aspects of his life.

He met the love of his life Julie in Minnetonka, MN and it was love at first sight. They wrote a love story unlike any other. They married in Owatonna, MN on April 10, 1987 and began building their beautiful life together.

Tony was a man of many passions, carrying his warmth and patient nature into every interaction. From talking to strangers on flights, to raising kind, forward-thinking kids, to telling his joyful stories to anyone and everyone. He could be found watching movies, laughing with loved ones, traveling, camping, cooking, boating, working on multiple home projects and bird watching on the deck he built by hand with Julie. He loved to spend time with his family and had friends around the country.

He is survived by his wife Julia Ann (Kispert) Hessom and their two children whom he adored, Cayla Elise Hessom and Derek Graham Hessom, both of San Diego, CA, who keep his witty humor and passion for life alive. He is also survived by his mother Lelia Jane (Poole) Isaacson, brother William Troy Hessom (Marie Hessom), sister Kimberly Jane Ream (Mike Kirkland), and several nieces and nephews.

His caring soul and warm heart touched every person he met, and he was admired and loved by more people than he probably realized. Tony's legacy will continue with echoes of laughter.

We invite you to celebrate his life on Friday, August 11, 2023, 9:30 am at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary followed by committal at Dearborn Memorial Park in Poway, 11:00 am.