Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Richard Doyle Hess, 81, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, November 16, 2023.
Born Friday, February 20, 1942 in Altoona, PA, he was the son of the late Carlton Doyle Hess and the late Dorothy Elizabeth (Long) Hess.
Richard was a veteran serving in the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the 228th Division Band.
He graduated from Altoona High School in Altoona, PA in 1960. He continued his education attending Penn State University at the Altoona campus graduating in 1964 with his Associate degree in Engineering.
Richard started his career with Potomac Edison in July of 1964 as an Electrical Engineering Technician and completed his career of 38 years as the Rates Supervisor in October of 2002. Also, he was a longtime member of the Potomac Edison Forerunners Club.
Richard “Dick” Hess had an immense passion for baseball playing from little league to Altoona High School where he was known for being a Southpaw pitcher, to the Penn State Altoona Campus baseball team. He had a love for model railroad trains, playing the clarinet and saxophone, bowling, and traveling with his wife and friends on their many trips. Dick was a born and bred Penn State fan and alumnus never missing a Nittany Lion game!
He was a member of Haven Lutheran Church since moving to Hagerstown in 1964 with his wife. Dick served his Lord and Congregation as a member of the Church Council, Building Committee, Property Committee, Chairman of Worship Ministry and was the Choir Director for 37 years beside his wife June as the organist. He loved his Church and Congregation and considered it his second home. He was a member of the Hagerstown Municipal Band for over 30 years. He was an original member of the Saint Patrick’s Chorale as well as a member of the Sunday School Orchestra. His greatest role was that of loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to his “Girls” who were his Pride and Joy. He was always there supporting them in every part of their lives from dance, to band, to swimming, to the soccer, field hockey and softball fields. Greeting them with his amazing smile and the best hug.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, June (Metzker) Hess; daughters, Christy (Hess) Friese and husband Gary of Waynesboro, PA and Patty (Hess) Byers and husband Eric of Clear Spring, MD; grandchildren, Courtney Friese, Lindsey Friese and significant other Austin Bryan, Meghan Byers, and Abigail Byers; and great-grandchild, Payton Bryan.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 11:00 am, at the Haven Lutheran Church, 1035 Haven Road Hagerstown, MD, with the Rev. Beverly Donnella officiating.
Family will receive friends at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, MD, Friday, November 24, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Interment will be at the Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown, MD.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Haven Lutheran Church, 1035 Haven Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21742.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com