John Hess

John Bruce Hess, 79, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 26, 2026, following a heart attack. A devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather, John lived a life defined by quiet generosity, steady dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

John was born on April 3, 1946, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, to the late Sheldon Hess and the late Mary Kline. Raised in the heart of central Pennsylvania, he developed early on the qualities that would define him throughout his life: a strong work ethic, a gentle spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility to those around him. He pursued his education at Penn State University, where he earned his degree and cultivated a lifelong connection to the institution that would remain close to his heart for decades to come.

Following his graduation, John embarked on a distinguished career with Gannett Fleming, where he built a reputation as a capable and dedicated professional. His expertise and ambition eventually led him to establish his own firm after Gannett Fleming sold the division in which he worked. The founding of his own company was a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his confidence in the skills he had honed over many years. He ultimately retired after closing Gannett Fleming.
In all the roles he held throughout his professional life, John brought the same tireless determination that characterized everything he did. Yet it was his role within his family where his truest character shone most brightly. He was, by every account, an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He was a true role model, a man who led not through words alone but through the steady example of his actions. Gentle and giving by nature, John worked tirelessly to ensure that his family had everything they needed, often placing their well-being above his own. His devotion to his wife, Delores, affectionately known as Dody, was the cornerstone of his life, and their partnership was one built on love, mutual respect, and enduring companionship.
John was a man who loved working with his hands. He was happiest when he had a project underway, whether he was building something new or tending to one of the many undertakings he always seemed to have in progress. Some of those projects he never got the chance to finish, a reflection of a man whose curiosity and ambition always outpaced the hours in a day. He was also an avid Penn State football fan, and Saturdays in the fall were sacred occasions spent cheering on the Nittany Lions, a tradition that connected him to his alma mater and to the family and friends who shared his passion.

John was a faithful and active member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Enola, where he served on the church committee and volunteered his time in service to the congregation. His faith was the foundation upon which he built his life, and it guided him in all things. He believed deeply in the teachings of Christ, and he lived those beliefs through acts of kindness, generosity, and love. His church family was an extension of his own, and he gave of himself freely to support its mission and ministry. In his passing, John enters into the eternal rest promised to those who walk faithfully with the Lord, and his family takes comfort in the assurance that he is at peace in the arms of his Heavenly Father.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Sheldon Hess and Mary Kline, and by his beloved sister, Alice Hess-Pomery. He was also preceded in death by three great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Delores (Dody) Hess of Mechanicsburg; his sons, Eric Hess and his wife Latrise, Michael Hess and his wife Suzy, Roy W. Taylor Jr. and his wife Sharon, Kevin Taylor and his wife Laurie, and David Taylor; his daughter, Stephanie Hess; his brothers, Sheldon Hess Jr. and his wife Eileen, and James Hess and his late wife Kathy; his grandchildren, Alisha Hess, Kayla Hess, Moxie Hess, Shepard Hess, Jeremy Keen and his wife Melinda, and Melissa Taylor; his great-grandchildren, Rayne Keen, Mackenzie Keen, Franklin Mohr, Madison Keen, Lily Keen, and Nyxie Keen; and numerous extended family members and friends whose lives he touched deeply.

John was cremated at Cremation Services of Pennsylvania. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Enola, with Pastor John Overman officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Details regarding the date and time of the service will be announced by the family.

John Bruce Hess lived a life of purpose, faith, and love. He leaves behind a legacy not measured in accomplishments alone, but in the countless lives he enriched through his kindness, his generosity, and his unwavering devotion. He will be deeply and forever missed.

In lieu of flowers please give a donation to the American Heart Association.