Deacon Don Hessemer

Deacon Don was born in Brooklyn and grew up in North Merrick, Long Island. He attended Maria Regina Diocesan High School in Uniondale NY and the College of Environmental Science & Forestry in Syracuse. He also received a Master’s Degree in Environmental Health Science in 1985 from the Polytechnic Institute of NY.

Don and his wife, Joan, moved to Edison, NJ in 1985, and have two grown children, Brittany and Kenny. They joined St. Bartholomew Parish in 1991 after moving to Fanwood.

Don has taught Religious Education to 3rd and 4th graders for 6 years and has served as Extraordinary Minister and Lector. He also helped found the parish Social Outreach Ministry in 2005. It was during this time that he discerned his call to the Diaconate and was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in May 2011. He has served the parish of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle since 2011.  Don is an Archdiocesan-trained Bereavement Facilitator and had served on the parish Bereavement Ministry Team since 2012.  He also serves as Chaplain with the Holy Name Society.  

In 2018, Don left a 38-year career in environmental consulting to follow his passion for pastoral care.  He has completed 4 years of Clinical Pastoral Education and currently works as a Hospice Chaplain with Grace Healthcare Services providing spiritual care to the dying and their families.

Among Don’s interests is his love for running. You might catch him running through the streets of Fanwood and Scotch Plains.