Obituaries

Raymond C. Hess

09/29/1939 - 01/13/2022

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Obituary For Raymond C. Hess

Raymond C. Hess Sept. 29, 1939-Jan. 13, 2022

Raymond C. Hess, 82, Altoona, passed away Thursday at UPMC Altoona after a brief illness. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Gerald and Marie Hess. Ray was twice married, first to Donna Glenn and later to Kathie (Berryman) Mattern. Ray is survived by his sons: Raymond C. (Kathleen) Hess, II of Fort Mill, SC, Daniel Hess of Wilmington, DE, Eric (Kristen) Hess of Wexford and Eric (Danielle) Mattern of Hollidaysburg; daughter-in-law, Tracy Mattern; twelve grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; his fiancée, Joanne Gates of Altoona and her daughter, Jenna (Arjun) Jeganathan. Ray was preceded in death by both of his wives and a son, Russ Mattern. He was a graduate of Roaring Spring High School and of the Altoona School of Commerce. Ray retired from M&T Bank after a very distinguished career in banking. Ray devoted most of his life to community service, including serving on the boards of the Rotary Club of Altoona, the Altoona Jaycees and the Chamber of Commerce. Ray spent years assuring the Altoona area had quality healthcare, by serving on the Board of Directors of the Altoona Hospital, the Home Nursing Agency and AMED. In 1967 Altoona City Council appointed Ray to a committee tasked with improving ambulance service in the Altoona Area. The result was the creation of AMED in 1968. Ray remained involved in the oversight of AMED for nearly 55 years. In 1980, when AMED transitioned from the Altoona Hospital into a municipal authority, Ray was appointed as one of the first Board members. He remained on the AMED Board for 42 years serving until his death. During his tenure at AMED he served in many roles, including Chairman for several years. He was instrumental in assuring AMED’s viability, improvements and service expansion. Ray’s top priority was always assuring the delivery of exceptional patient care and customer service. He was an avid sports fan, especially Penn State football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. The family requests that contributions be made in Ray’s memory to: AMED, 1012 7th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602. Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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Condolences

  • 01/21/2022

    I was saddened to read of Ray's passing. I got to know Ray while selling his home and finding him a new one. He was always a class act, very kind and so much a gentleman. After closing he would sometimes stop by my office to chat and once brought me some chocolates. We had mutual friends in Dan and Elaine Magee....we shared stories and fun times.... I never knew how involved he was with AMED...what a nice article that was. Sharon Muldoon

  • 01/20/2022

    So sad to lose such a kind, caring person whom I was fortunate to consider my friend - and co -worker. Ray had such great insight into summing up people and life in general, and was a great sounding board. May you Rest in Peace - Nancy Fogel

  • 01/19/2022

    It is with great sadness that I read of Ray's death. Through my Aunt Nancy Fogel, I became friends with Ray. What a great man we lost. RIP Ray. Linda Oliver

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Funeral Directors

Joseph J. Stevens III

Matthew J. McConville

Christopher J. Feathers

David J. Mason