Obituary of Michael Thomas Hesse

Michael Thomas Hesse, 64, of West Columbia, SC, joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven on Sunday, February 4, 2024 after a battle with cancer.

Mike was born on December 9, 1959 in Allegany, NY, to the late John D. and Elizabeth M. Hesse. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Palmer Hesse, of West Columbia; daughters, Shannon of Navarre, FL and Bianca of West Columbia; grandson that he loved dearly, Levi Thomas Morrison; sisters, Joan Hesse of Vero Beach, FL and Margaret (Thomas) Nuss of Allegany; brother, William Hesse of Vero Beach, FL; brother-in-law, Gary Sirianni of Olean, NY; niece, Sarah (Sean) Maxwell and their daughter Hazel; his dear aunt, Mary Bea Lennon of Vero Beach, FL; and Phyllis’s brothers, sisters, nieces, & nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving parents; two brothers, Joseph and John L. Hesse; and his sister, Mary Sirianni.  

Mike graduated from Archbishop Walsh High School, where he was Class President, in 1979. He left his hometown in 1982 to enlist in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged after proudly serving six years. Afterward, he diligently worked as a security electrician at various companies until his health declined. He ended his employment with Convergint Technologies LLC.

From a young age, Mike loved playing sports, especially football and wrestling, and he was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, as well as a big Clemson fan. He was fond of going to golf tournaments and watching them on the television. He also enjoyed coaching his daughters' softball teams. Mike loved learning about history and science. To pass the time, he partook in fishing, birdwatching, and doing crosswords. You could always find him tinkering around with a new project, fixing something, or building something new. He would always lend a helping hand to any neighbor who needed it. He was the nicest guy with a great sense of humor. Above all, Mike's favorite thing to do was spend time with his family. He was truly an amazing father, grandfather, husband, and brother.

There will be a period of visitation beginning at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Thompson Funeral Home in Lexington, SC, followed by services at 2:00 PM. 

Memorials, if desired, can be made to the Allegany Historical Association, or a charity of choice.