John Robert “Bob” Hess, 91

December 20, 2025

John Robert “Bob” Hess, 91, peacefully departed this life on December 20, 2025. Bob was the son of the late H. Lloyd Hess, Sr. and Erla Garber Hess. Bob was a devoted husband and family man who cherished lifelong connections. He was married to his high school sweetheart, the late Ruby Adams Hess for 55 years. Later in life, Bob found love again and married Nancy Bushong Hess, who survives him.

Bob graduated from Lititz High School, Penn State University, and Villanova School of Law. He dedicated 38 years to Lancaster Malleable Castings Company, where he served in numerous leadership roles before retiring as Chief Executive Officer in 2000. Following the closing of the plant in 2004, the company proudly continued the tradition of annual reunions for retirees and management for the next 14 years, a testament to the lasting relationships Bob helped to build and the deep sense of community he fostered.

Bob actively supported and participated in various church, industrial, educational, and community organizations. He was a lifetime active member of the Lititz Moravian Congregation. He was named a Life Trustee of Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem PA, which awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 1997. He was deeply involved in the leadership and development of the Moravian Manor Retirement Community in Lititz, serving many years as a trustee, including five years as Board Chair. In 1981, Bob received the Lancaster Bar Association’s Access to Justice Award in recognition of his longstanding pro-bono legal services.

Bob formerly served on the Boards of Directors of Fulton Financial Corporation, The Horst Group, New Oxford Aluminum Co., Boose Aluminum Co., Reese Metal Products Co., the Lancaster Chamber and EDC Finance Corporation. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, he received the Jack Mentzer Award from the Conestoga Foundry Association in 1981.

Bob was an active member of the Hamilton Club, the Lebanon Country Club and the Lititz Ambucs, serving a term as president. He enjoyed writing, directing and acting in several of the Ambucs’ annual community benefit shows. In his leisure hours, he enjoyed reading, horseback riding, sailing, golfing and was an avid bridge player. He especially treasured spending time with his grandchildren, and delighted in FaceTime calls with his great grandchildren.

Always dedicated to his extended family, Bob is survived by his two children, Laurie Hess of Lititz, PA and Debra Liss of Hatfield, PA; grandchildren Justin Liss, husband of Rebecca Carr Liss, great grandchildren Riley and Drew Liss of Bernardsville, NJ, Ashley Liss Mullaly, wife of Blaze Mullaly, and soon to be great grandson of Phoenixville, PA; nephews Jeff Searles, husband of Janelle of San Clemente CA; Chris Hess, husband of Jennifer Aliber of Lexington, MA; nieces Diane Searles Spotz of Carey NC and Megan Hess, wife of Sid Cook of Germantown, PA. In addition, Bob is survived by step-daughters Patricia Darras, wife of William of Leola, PA, Barbara Bushong, wife of William Ferrel of Los Alamos, NM; step-son James Bushong of Columbia, PA. Bob was preceded in death by brothers Richard G. Hess, Henry Lloyd Hess, Jr., sister Dorothy Searles Girvin and step-son William Bushong, husband of Carol.
Bob’s life was marked by integrity, generosity, and an unwavering dedication to his family and serving others in his community. His legacy of service, faith, and compassion will be remembered by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Moravian Manor Retirement Community’s Chapel, 300 W. Lemon St., Lititz, PA on January 24, 2026 at 11:00, with a visitation with Bob’s family from 10-11AM. A reception for family and friends will follow the service. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bob’s memory to the Moravian Manor Benevolent Care Fund, 300 West Lemon Street, Lititz, PA 17543.