Alan D. Hess

Alan D. “Al” Hess, 49, of Norwich, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019, at his home with his loving family by his side and after a courageous battle against cancer.

Born on December 8, 1969, in Norwich, Al was the son of Mary Jane (Brookins) Vorhies-Courtney and Samuel Hess. He was a graduate of Norwich High School’s Class of 1988. For Norwich High School, Al wrestled and played football and baseball. After high school, he worked for Kraft Foods in South Edmeston for 13 years until it closed in 2005. Following that, Al worked as a supervisor for several local companies until finding another home at HP Hood Co., in Oneida, where he worked as a laboratory supervisor.

On June 2, 2001, in Mount Upton, NY, Al married his beloved wife, Cheri (Peck) Hess, who survives. In addition to his wife, Al is survived by his cherished daughters, Jordan and MacKenzie; step-father, Jeff Courtney; sisters, Virginia “Jinny” Ostrom and Barbara Ostrom, all of Norwich; brother, Clayton Ostrom, of Eugene, OR; aunt and uncle Bonnie and Kevin Diefenbacher, of Norwich; father- and mother-in-law Clifford and Carla Peck, of Mount Upton; brothers-in-law, Brian (Tammy) Peck, of South New Berlin, and Robert Peck (Heather Conklin), of Guilford; nieces, Casey Peck, Lauren Peck, and Jesse Wood, Tia Peck, Madisyn Peck, and Taylor Peck; and cousin, Eric (Val) Diefenbacher. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Jane, and his grandparents.

“Big Al” was a sports enthusiast that excelled at any sport he played. He followed sports closely and never backed down from a debate. Al and his wife enjoyed many softball, bowling, and golf tournaments with their friends. An avid golfer in recent years, Al truly enjoyed playing the game of golf, having participated in many leagues and tournaments, and through the years made many special friends. A quick wit, he always had people laughing.

Al also enjoyed traveling with his family. His last and most special trip, was to Hawaii in 2018 with his family. Al loved to cook and BBQ and cherished many get-togethers and camping trips with friends. He was most proud of his two daughters and each of their accomplishments.

A private graveside service for Al will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, Norwich, NY, on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank the Chenango Hospice staff for their compassion and care over the last month. Also, many thanks to our family, friends, and the community for their love and support during this difficult time.

Contributions in Al’s memory may be made to Sock Out Cancer, c/o Security Mutual Life Foundation, P.O. 1625, Binghamton, NY 13902, or to the Chenango County Hospice, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815, or to the Jordan & MacKenzie Hess Scholarship Fund, c/o Wilson Funeral Home, 68 S. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.