Ballston Spa, NY - Michael James Hess passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday June 24, 2017. Michael was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on December 17, 1949 to Nick and Bernice Hess. He attended local schools and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1967. While in high school Mike enjoyed playing hockey, trumpet, and driving his corvette. He graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 1971 with a bachelor's in history. Mike was a teacher with the Pittsfield Public School system for 35 years, teaching woodshop and then technology at Crosby, Reid, and Herberg Schools.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Jean Duffy-Hess; daughter, Laura Jean Kattan and her husband David Kattan of Longmeadow, MA; son Nicholas Michael Hess of Clifton Park; sister and his brother-in-law of Pittsfield, MA, Donna and Don Rochelo; two step-sons, John and Mark Duffy of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren, Luke and Anna Kattan of Longmeadow, MA and nephew Mark Rochelo of Delray Beach, FL. He was also blessed to have a large extended Hess family in the Berkshires.

He was predeceased by his parents Nick and Bernice and his nephew Jason Rochelo.

Mike's greatest joys were spending time with his grandchildren, watching his son play soccer, and snow birding to Florida, with his wife, to their home near the ocean.  He was a lifelong lover of water, boating, reading and desserts.

A memorial service will be held at 4pm Friday, June 30, 2017 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

At Mike's requested after his passing, his family will have a celebration to honor the joy and humor of his life. An event will take place in Pittsfield, MA and please contact the family for details.

In leiu of flowers donations may be made to the Pelican Island Preservation Society, P.O. Box 781903, Sebastian, FL 32978-1903 or at http://www.firstrefuge.org/membership-donation-information .

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.