Brian J. Hess

He was born on June 16, 1942 in Oneonta, the son of Lawrence and Jane (Sexton) Hess. He married Gail Cleveland on June 18, 1977.

A 1960 graduate of Oneonta High School, Brian served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967. Stationed in Germany for most of his service, his main duty was working as a Tractor Scraper Operator.

He was employed by NYSEG for 33 years, retiring in 2000 as a Chief Lineman.

Brian loved to drag race cars in the 1960s in Fonda, NY. He was also an avid Corvette lover. In his earlier years he was a frequent waterfowl hunter, and enjoyed fishing on Lake Ontario. He played golf up until September 2020.

Brian enjoyed membership in the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and was also a member of the Oneonta County Club Men’s Golf Association.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gail Hess of Oneonta; a son, Brad Hess of Panama City Beach, Florida; a son, Kyle Hess of Millerton; a grandson, Cayson Brian Hess of Panama City Beach, Florida; a brother, Wayne Hess and wife Fran Hess of West Laurens; a sister, Linda Starley of Windsor; and 2 sister in laws, Sharon Corna and Nancy (Robert) Smalley. He was much loved by his many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife’s parents, Kenneth and Evelyn Cleveland; and a brother in law, George Starley.

A graveside committal service with military honors will take place in the spring in Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club, 70 River Street Oneonta, NY 13820 and Helios Care, 297 River Street, S Service Rd Suite #1, Oneonta, NY 13820.

To leave a condolence for the family online, visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.