Reverend Charles F. Hess, III Obituary (1935 - 2014)

Reverend Charles F. Hess, III of Corning, NY died Friday October 24th at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. He was 79. Born on October 8th, 1935 in Blakley, PA, he was the son of Charles F. and Adeline (Layaou) Hess, Jr. Charlie attended Penn State University and later received his Bachelor's Degree from Mansfield State College, in Social Science and Biology. He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, served two years active duty in Ft. Ord, Calif. and served another 8 years in the National Guard Reserves. He married Betty McAllister on August 3, 1958 in California. Charlie earned a Master's Degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in 1967 and was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church. As an ordained minister, Charlie served United Methodist Churches in Pennsylvania and New York: Caton, Dresden, Union Springs, Clyde, Geneva, Chemung Valley District Superintendent, Corning First from 1992 to 2000, where he retired in 2000. He also served on the Board of Pensions and Board of Ordained Ministry with the conference. He served as a camp counselor for over 20 years at Casowasco, Methodist Church Camp on Owasco Lake. As a community member, Charlie served on the board for Bethany Senior Residence in Horseheads, Dayspring in Corning, the United Way, and volunteered for Corning Meals on Wheels for 25 years. Charlie was an avid Penn State Football fan and Yankee baseball fan. A very long time trout fisherman, who delighted in his many hours spent fishing on beautiful Seneca Lake. He enjoyed making his lures for trolling the lake and gave many away to friends. Charlie was a Corning Rotarian and was active in events held by the club. Because of his service to the club and community, Charlie was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Louise (Steven) Colasurdo of Shortsville,NY; son, Charles Hess IV of Willard, NY; sister, Jane (Kurt) Bonser of Mechanicsburg PA; brother, Donald Hess of Liberty, PA; grandchildren: Christopher and Daniel Colasurdo, Samantha, Charlie and Donald Hess, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Horseheads United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00 am. Memorial gifts may be made in Charlie's name to First United Methodist Church Living Memorial Fund, Horseheads, NY; Rotary Club of Corning, NY or charity of your choice. Charlie's family entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home Inc. in Corning.