Michael Shane Hess, age 68 of Sabinsville, PA passed away at home on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 with his loving family by his side.

Born March 22, 1955 in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Robert Edward “Bud” and Clara Bernice (Bump) Hess.

Mike graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School, where he was the senior class president of 1973, sang in the Indianaires and the barbershop quartet, and lettered in football, wrestling, and track.

In 1974, he enlisted in the US Navy and served as an electrician. He worked for Westfield Tanning Company, Schoonover’s Heating and Plumbing, and finally, for Contel, GTE, and Verizon, as a telephone lineman technician for 22 years until his retirement in 2010.

He married his high school sweetheart, Janice Eaton, on June 12, 1976. They shared 50 years together and celebrated 47 years of marriage.

He was a devoted father to his three children Janelle, Julie, and Michael. He was a strong family man, supportive of all of his children’s and grandchildren’s interests and was always willing to help when needed. He was generous with his love and time.

Mike’s love for the outdoors inspired him to build a log cabin and pond on land he inherited from his parents and grandparents. There he created wonderful memories while plowing potato fields, wild berry picking, fishing, swimming, and eventually his baptism in his family pond.

He had a vast knowledge of mechanics and engineered many projects over the course of his lifetime. He shared his musical talents over the years beginning with his family band where he sang and played the mandolin. Mike had a gift for entertaining, storytelling, and never went a day in his life without singing.

Mike was the best son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to so many people. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Janice; his children, Janelle (Brandon) Neal of Waxhaw, NC, Julie (Sean) Ulrich of Wake Forest, NC, and Michael (Gabrielle) Hess of Sabinsville, PA; his grandchildren, Connor Neal, Owen Neal, Leo Neal, Shane Ulrich, Jake Ulrich, Madeline Hess, and Claire Hess; sisters, Sharon (Lee) Carl and Amy (Charles) Mead; brother-in-law, Phillip Clark, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his infant baby boy Hess; a brother, Robert “Buddy” Hess and a sister, Maxine Clark; nephews, Robert “Bobby” and Ryan Clark; and a niece, Clara Calaman.

Family will receive friends at Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St., Westfield, PA on Monday, November 6th from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held at Knoxville Yoked Church, 110 Alba St., Knoxville, PA on Tuesday, 12:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served following the service at the church. A private family burial will follow at Lovell Short Farm Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.