Carl E. Hessler

Carl E. Hessler, a Professional Engineer, Electrical Contractor and former owner of Eastern Sales & Engineering Co., died on September 10, 2014 at Gilchrist Hospice Center. He resided at Mercy Ridge and Kent Island and was a former resident of Hampton. He was 96 years old. Born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, he graduated in 1941 from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, with a BS in Civil Engineering. He accepted a position with the Glenn L. Martin Co. in the Structural Design Division of the Engineering Department. He accepted a commission as an Ensign in the US Navy during WWII. Glenn L. Martin, however, petitioned and received approval from the War Department to not release Mr. Hessler to the Navy. In a letter dated Jan. 30, 1943 from Glenn L. Martin Co. to the Office of Naval Officer Procurement, Martin stated that Mr. Hessler was one of the few qualified engineers with a Stress Analyst rating. “There is little doubt that a stress analyst, in an Aircraft Engineering Department, fills an essential position”. “We will submit the information regarding that position to the War Manpower Commission with the request that they determine where Mr. Hessler’s services can be utilized to our country’s best interest”. It was determined that he was more valuable to the war effort as a structural engineer involved with the design and production of war planes. In 1948, Mr. Hessler resigned Glenn L. Martin to accept a position with Eastern Sales & Engineering Co. The company designed, manufactured and installed commercial and municipal lighting. Many of the street lampposts and reflective street name signs throughout Baltimore City were designed and manufactured by ESE when Baltimore converted their lampposts from gas to electric. The lampposts were the iconic (#9) fluted poles with acorn shaped globes. The street name signs were the first signs with reflective lettering to facilitate night reading. Mr. Hessler became President of the company in 1966, owner in 1972, and retired in 1990. Mr. Hessler was a member of the Engineering Society of Baltimore since 1950, a member of the Baltimore County Electrical Contractors Assoc, a Vice President of NALMCO (National Association of Lighting Maintenance Contractors), a member of the vestry and president of the men’s club of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Cedarcroft. He was also a member of the Baltimore Rotary Club and was active on several committees at Mercy Ridge. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Phyllis Patterson Hessler, a daughter Susan Hessler Reichhart, a son David Patterson Hessler, four grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Interment will be private. A memorial service will be held on October 14, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 2216 Pot Spring Rd., Timonium, Maryland.