Obituaries

Michael R. Hess, 63

October 7, 1961 - March 12, 2025

Michael R. Hess, 63, of Lancaster, passed away on March 12, 2025, after a brief illness. Born in Ephrata on October 7, 1961, he was the eldest child of Philip Jr. and Edith Hess.

For over 42 years, Mike was a dedicated truck driver for York Building Supply, a career he took great pride in. He was especially honored to participate in the Make-A-Wish Foundation Truck Convoy, volunteering his time to help bring joy to children in need.

A true outdoorsman, Mike found happiness in hunting, fishing, camping, and swimming, often sharing these experiences with his family to create cherished memories. He loved the freedom of the open road, especially when riding his Harley-Davidsons. He also loved summer trips to Ocean City, Maryland, where he was notorious for being a “pool bully” to his daughter, nieces, and nephews.

Mike is survived by his parents, his daughter and son-in-law, Nicole A. and Steven T. Newman, of Lancaster; his sister, Julie Sawyer, wife of Michael, of Ephrata; his nieces and nephews, Brittany Groff, Courtney Bippus, and Derrick Groff; and his significant other, Sue Miller, of Lancaster, along with her children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia Hess, with whom he shared 27 years of marriage before her death in 2016.

A funeral service to honor Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1 PM at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 11 AM until the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Watch the tribute video

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

March 31, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. We worked together for many years at New Holland Concrete.
Galen Sweigart Jr

March 20, 2025

We are so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing.He was such a great guy fun to be with so many memories. One memorie I have to share is the night we stoled his golf cart it was about 2 o’clock in the morning susie klinger and I took it omg did we laugh well to make along stories short he got me back by putting my golf cart up on blocks and me trying to drive it that is one thing you never got one up on him he was always one step ahead will miss him alot many prayers to susie and her family and Phil and Edith hess and there family love you all.  Dan&sherry lahr

March 17, 2025

My how time flys! I had not seen in you in years but I did wonder where you ended up after high school. My condolences to the family of Michael Hess. I am sorry that we did not see each other in so many years but we had many memories from our childhood. Rest easy friend!
Gregory Schmuck

March 17, 2025

So very sorry for your loss Nicole. Hugs to you and you family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Sue and Doug Hookway

March 16, 2025

Fly high our dear friend.We are gonna miss you so much at Hidden  Valley.Our hearts are so broken. Life will never be the same for our sweet friend and your sweet partner.Please watch over her ,mom and Pop and your sister and family.Bill and I loved you my dear friend.
William and Paula Wehr

March 16, 2025

Dear Nicole, so sorry to hear this, a heartfelt wish that you enjoy your memories and carry them in your heart 
Rebecca Young

March 16, 2025

Thru hv camping we got to know mike and sue and izzy.mike enjoyed his gulf cart and taking izzy for rides.liked it when he told me how he kept his flowers watered at camp thru the week..we will miss mike.. Memories will always carry you and your  family thru..God Bless you all. Brenda and scott lynn
 

March 15, 2025

We are so very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I’m so thankful for all the fun times and memories that we shared at Hidden Valley. We are so blessed to have crossed paths with him and the rest of the family that we love dearly. We will always hold his memory close to our hearts. Love you all! Troy and Susie Klinger. 

Visitation
Saturday, March 22, 2025
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Services
Saturday, March 22, 2025
1:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our seven funeral homes in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Snyder Bean Funeral Home & Crematory Lebanon
  • 890 Isabel Dr.
  • 717-272-4634
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info