Our Staff

Our Caring Staff

Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

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Ronald Hess, Jr.

Licensed Funeral Director

Ronald P. Hess, Jr. is a Licensed Funeral Director with more than twenty-five years of experience serving families with compassion, professionalism, and care. He attended Herkimer County Community College and is a graduate of the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse. After completing his internship with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home in Watertown, he returned home to join the family business.

Ronald holds professional memberships with the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association and the New York State Funeral Directors Association. His dedication to both his profession and his community is reflected in his long-standing involvement with local and statewide organizations.

He is a member of the former Richfield Springs Lodge No. 482 F&AM and is currently affiliated with Winfield Lodge No. 581 F&AM. He has also served as Past Grand Director of Ceremonies with the Grand Lodge of the State of New York F&AM and is involved with Iroquois Chapter No. 236 Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar Chapter No. 76, Ziyara Shriners in Utica, and the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the Order of DeMolay. In addition, he is a member of the Church of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs and remains active in local community projects.

Ronald lives at the funeral home with his wife, Ann Marie, continuing a family tradition of personal service and a close connection to the families they serve.

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Ann Marie Hess

Support Staff

With over 30 years of experience in customer service, Ann Marie Hess is dedicated to providing compassionate, attentive support to the families served by the funeral home. Working alongside her husband, she plays an important role in helping ensure each family feels cared for, respected, and understood during some of life’s most difficult moments.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Rutgers University’s Cook College and a teaching certification in High School Biology from Rowan University. Her background in education and science reflects her lifelong commitment to learning, clear communication, and helping others.

In addition to her work, she is an active member of the Garden Club of Richfield Springs, where she enjoys connecting with the community and nurturing her interest in nature.

Through both her professional experience and personal dedication, she brings warmth, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve others in a meaningful way.