Obituary of Joseph M. Hess

Joseph M. Hess, age 80 of Lorraine NY passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at his home with his devoted wife and loving children by his side. He passed away after a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Giant Cell Arteritis. The mismanagement of the GCA led to adrenal insufficiency. We mention this in hopes to raise awareness of both rare diseases.  He was born on September 4, 1944 in Hastings, NY to Anthony and Mildred (Burnett) Hess. Joseph married Katherine L. Inch on March 22, 1964. The couple settled in Lorraine, NY in 1968. Joe and Kathy owned and operated the Lorraine Hotel from 1975 to 1982. They also owned and operated the laundromats in Sandy Creek and Adams. He was a union carpenter and was very proud of his career. Before retiring in the year 2000, he was a foreman and a supervisor at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station Unit Two and James A Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego NY. He earned several awards for safety. He enjoyed showing and telling his children and grandchildren about the places he worked during his life, including the steam stacks in the city of Oswego and Penfield Library on the SUNY Oswego campus, among many others.  Joe loved operating heavy equipment. He was very helpful in his neighborhood. He was consulted by many of his neighbors about their projects and excavation work. His knowledge and advice was appreciated by all. Joe also plowed snow for his neighbors. His excellent skill and reasonably priced work will always be remembered as well as his willingness to help.  His entrepreneurial mindset was passed down to his children. He was instrumental in helping four of his kids with their small businesses. He was extremely smart and could do or fix anything.  If he didn’t know how to do something he would learn. If it wasn’t broke, it was because he fixed it.  He helped all of his children and some of his grandchildren build or remodel their homes.  Joe was very close to all of his children. He was always a phone call or a text away. Dad was a listening ear, a soft shoulder, and an intelligent, logical advisor. He had an excellent sense of humor and a beautiful smile. He and his wife, Kathy, were a team in everything over the years. They built their home and property into their own little heaven on Earth, and there was no place they’d rather be. We always knew this day would come, but we cannot put into words the impact he had on all of our lives, nor the void that his passing leaves us with.  He is survived by his wife, Katherine L. Hess, and his children, Michael (Ruby) Hess of Sandy Pond, NY, James (Heidi) Hess of Lorraine, NY, Matthew (Elizabeth) Hess of Lorraine, NY, Lenore (Edward) Scheppard of Pulaski, NY and Renee Hess (JJ Chambers) of Richmond, VA. Joseph is also survived by his six grandchildren, Kara, Shane, Sarah, Mariah, Nicole and Isac and his eight great-grandchildren, Finn, Ada, Milo, Hunter, Lily, Axel, Owen, and Isla, all of whom loved their GPa dearly. He also leaves behind several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, a sister Barbara Paige, Dexter, NY, and a brother Donald “George” Hess, Watertown, NY. He is predeceased by five brothers.  There are no services. The family had a living celebration of life at their home for Joe and Kathy in June of 2022 because they wanted to spend time with their loved ones and to say goodbye themselves.  In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601. Hospice provided excellent care for Dad during his last days and were a wonderful, caring organization to work with. We are very grateful for them.  Donations may also be made to the Lorraine Fire Department, PO Box 89, Lorraine NY 13659. Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY. Condolences and memories may be posted online at www.piddockfuneralhome.com