Boxford - Brian R. Hesse, 64, of Barnstable and Boxford, MA, passed away on June 26, 2026, after living with early onset dementia for six years.

Born February 5, 1962, Brian was the first child of Robert L. Hesse and Gail A. (Thompson) Hesse. He grew up on Cape Cod, where he developed a lifelong love of sports, the water, and people. Voted "Funniest" by his Barnstable High School Class of 1980, he was an accomplished athlete, named the 1977 Babe Ruth Baseball Player of the Year. He graduated from Colby College in 1984 with degrees in English and History, where he was a member of Delta Upsilon.

Brian spent nearly four decades in the automotive industry, building life-long customer relationships and mentoring employees with honesty and integrity. In October 1990, he married Tammy E. (Smith) Hesse, and built their family home of 25 years in Boxford, MA. Their daughter, Taylor, was born in 1993, and their son, Cody, in 1997. Brian was a kid-at-heart and brought the laughs every day. He was a devoted, hands-on father who coached his children's teams and built family traditions around Thursdays off, lake days, fire pit nights, and cheering on his NE sports teams.

For years, Brian volunteered as Lawrence YMCA's Afterschool Activities Coordinator and coached MIXTO Equipo Baseball, Boxford Little League, youth basketball, and youth hockey. Brian gave of himself generously and without expectation. He was happiest when he was helping someone else: coaching a young athlete, mentoring a colleague, helping a neighbor, a veteran, the elderly, or supporting family or a friend.

In 2020, Brian was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which progressed to mixed dementia. He and Tammy made the most of their time together, including a 21-state road trip across America that led them to settle on Lake Norman in North Carolina, in 2021. In February 2025, he entered memory care in Charlotte, where he spent his final months surrounded by compassionate caregivers and the love of family and friends.

Brian is survived by his wife, Tammy E. (Smith) Hesse; his daughter, Taylor M. Hesse; his son, Cody A. Hesse; his mother, Gail A. (Thompson) Hesse; his brother, Eric Hesse and wife Lee Ann; and his brother, Jon Hesse and wife Wendy. He was predeceased by his father, Robert L. Hesse.

Brian will be remembered not for the disease he fought, but for the joy he brought others.

A celebration of Brian's life, honoring his spirit and the way he lived life, will be planned within the year.