Richard Orville “Dick” Hessler, Sr. died on June 22, 2024 in Huntsville, AL after a long illness. He was born on December 5, 1936 in Owensboro, KY, the son of Orville and Lois (Haynie) Hessler, and was later adopted by his stepfather, Clifford Arnold. He attended the University of Florida, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. In 1958, he and his wife Virginia relocated to Huntsville and raised a family there.
For nearly 30 years, Dick was deeply involved in the development, qualification, and quality control of solid propellant rocket motors for the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). He co-wrote 43 publications and 13 technical reports and is cited in the Alabama Inventors Database as having been granted four U.S. patents for aerospace-related inventions. After retiring as a senior engineer from Thiokol, he conducted independent research into solid and composite propellant combustion, rocket motor behavior, and combustion instability. He was a consultant for international clients, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana), as well as advising graduate students at the Polytechnic University of Milan (Politecnico di Milano). In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, organizing automotive road rallies, and line dancing, as well as becoming a talented amateur entomologist of butterflies and moths.
Dick was predeceased by his parents and stepfather, brother Bob Hessler, half-brother Mark Hessler, half-sister Ann Scott, and son Richard Orville Hessler, Jr. He is survived by sons Daniel (Susan) Hessler and James Hessler, daughter Claudia “Casey” Olson, daughter-in-law Sandra Hessler, and seven grandchildren, Kirsten (Dan) Slotcavage, Richard Orville “Roth” Hessler III, Winston Hessler, Ursula Hessler, Quinn Olson, Lila Olson, and Talia Olson, as well as his half-sister Kay Sauber.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Lung Association (ALA), the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, or a favorite charity. Arrangements are being directed by Spry Funeral Home & Crematory
