Capt. Louis P Hettinger, USN (Ret), of Ashburn, Virginia, age 93 passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2025.
Louis was born on Oct. 13, 1932, in Newton, to Paul C. Hettinger and Margaret M. O’Leary Hettinger. He shared a close bond with his brother, Ed, and often delighted family and friends with stories of their boyhood antics.
He grew up in Marblehead, where he was an accomplished athlete and played a variety of sports for the Marblehead Magicians. Football was one of his passions and he was captain of the College of the Holy Cross Crusader team in Worcester.
After graduating, Lou received his commission as an ensign in the United States Navy.
Lou attended flight school and completed his flight training in 1956, beginning a distinguished naval aviation career that reflected his lifelong love of flying.
Over the course of his service, he flew numerous missions in A3 and A4 aircraft, and achieved more than 600 carrier landings. In 1981 he assumed command of Electronic Warfare Squadron 33 (VAQ-33), where he was deeply respected and admired by the men and women who served under his leadership.
He retired from the United States Navy in 1985 after more than three decades of dedicated service, earning many distinguished honors and medals, including the Legion of Merit. Following his retirement, he worked for ITT Avionics for several years.
Lou remained athletic throughout his life and loved participating in and watching sports. He always enjoyed playing racquetball, golf, and when he was 70, he ran with his sons in an Army 10-Miler. He was a devoted Washington Commander (formerly Redskins) football fan but truly enjoyed all sports. He especially enjoyed going to games and cheering on/coaching his own kids and then his grandchildren at their sporting events.
Known for his great sense of humor, Lou loved spending time with family and friends reminiscing and telling stories about his Navy adventures. When asked how he is doing, he famously replied, “I’ m turnin’ and burnin’ and strokin’ and smokin’.
Lou was first married to Judith Chapman Hettinger, with whom he raised three children: Debra and her husband Bernie Labuskes; David and his wife Laura; and Robert and his wife Darline. He was a proud grandfather to Dana Underwood, Brianna Labuskes, Jack and Katie Hettinger, Troy, Megan and Hope Hettinger, along with being a cherished great-grandfather and uncle to his nieces and nephew.
He later married Nancy Anderson, who preceded him in death in 2006. Lou treasured his role as a husband and stepfather to Kristin Whitaker, Christopher Seanor, Gregory Seanor, Michael Seanor as well as being a part of his step-grandchildren’s lives.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Olga Williams Hettinger, with whom he shared many happy years. Together they enjoyed walking, caring for their home, visits from Olga’s son, Justin Gonzales, close friends and relatives. Over the last several years Lou became a devoted caregiver for his wife.
Hettinger will be remembered for his service to his country, devotion to his family, love of flying and his quick wit, along with the deep admiration he earned throughout his life. He will be missed by all those who loved him.
Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1, at Adams-Green Funeral Home at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
