Philip J. Hessler, age 76, of Newark, DE and Elkton, MD passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 10, 2019. Born in Wilmington, DE, Philip was the son of the late Dorothy (Carpenter) and Paul C. Hessler, Jr. He graduated with his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Delaware. Phil was a teacher at William Penn High School, North East High School, and Padua Academy. Aside from teaching, he was a talented woodworker, chef, and brass musician, performing with the Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band, Johannes Brass Band, Navy Alumni Band, Newark Symphony, and the Swing City Band, among others. Phil was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam Era.Phil is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lynn N. Hessler; his daughters and their spouses, Jennifer H. Dillard and Michael J. Dillard of Phoenix, MD and Dr. Jessica L. Hessler and Kenneth J. Sturniolo of Clinton, NJ; his siblings, Dr. Paul C. Hessler, III, Dr. Stephen Hessler (Susan Gramling), Ann Winston (Robert) and Robert Hessler (Melinda).A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday September 8, 2019 at 2PM Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, 901 N. Washington Street Wilmington, DE 19801. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Phil's memory to the Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band, P.O. Box 172, Hockessin, DE 19707. (www.chesapeakebrassband.org)