Claude Henry Hessel, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander, courageous aviator, and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully on August 27 at the age of 79.

Claude lived a life defined by service with an unwavering dedication to his family, country and community. After graduating from Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, he entered the army, was selected for flight training and flew in the Army Medical Command. Later, as Coast Guard Aviator, he spent most of his career flying search and rescue missions on both the West and East coasts of the United States. While he flew countless missions, the most well-known was chronicled in “The Perfect Storm”, which recounted his piloting of a helicopter from Cape Cod through hurricane-force winds and historic waves. In that mission, he and his crew successfully rescued three civilians from a trapped sailboat, along with three Coast Guard crew members whose raft had punctured. He went on to direct OPBAT (Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos), a joint drug interdiction operation with the DEA and international forces, based out of Nassau.

Following his retirement from military service, Claude settled in Northern California, where his passion for service continued. He served his local community as the Commander of the American Legion Frank Gallino Post 130 in Grass Valley, organizing local Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies for many years to honor his fellow service members.

Beyond his commitment to his career and service, Claude was a deeply devoted family man known for his integrity, humility, and his hearty laughter. He had a love for music, dogs and old cars. A member of the Roamin’ Angels, for many years, he often could be found tinkering with one of his or his friend’s cars or driving around town with his dog in his truck. He was always among the first to make his way to the dance floor or the karaoke stage.

He is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Janet Hessel, his children, Tracey Hessel, Kenique Hessel, Stacy Wright, and Scott Trafton, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Elias Hessel, Marianlu Hamilton, and his brother, Victor Eugene Hessel.

A celebration of Claude’s life will be held on November 22 at 2:00 pm at Sierra Presbyterian Church in Nevada City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Claude’s memory to the Roamin’ Angels Car Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1616, Grass Valley, CA 95945.