Charles Samuel Hess

Charles “Sam” Samuel Hess, 84, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Born in Saxton, he was the son of the late Lewis and Madeline (Coy) Hess.

Uncle Sam spent most of his adult life in Chambersburg, where he was known as a kind, loving soul. He was always on the streets walking to his next adventure.

He was a civil war reenactor and was featured in the films Gettysburg, Gods and General’s, and from Bull run to Appomattox. Uncle Sam made friends wherever he went, in the 90’s you could catch him on the set hanging out with actors like Sam Elliot & Martin Sheen or attending movie premieres. If you knew Uncle Sam, you knew you were in for a good story and a great laugh.

Uncle Sam loved going to Gettysburg with family and showing them around. They would visit his friend, Dirty Billy’s hat shop, where he would have everyone buy hats. He also enjoyed visiting his friend, Reed, who made jewelry; going to the local gun shows with Kem and Jamie; and playing backgammon with Kelly (but only when he won).

He left behind his loving sister, Pia (partner Craig); 3 nieces, Krissy Wilt (husband Rob), Kelly Hess, Amy Ebersole (husband Kenny); 1 nephew, Kem Hess (partner Jamie); 5 great nephews, Eryn, Chad, Devin, Jarred, and David (aka Andre); 3 great nieces, Kinsey, Blake, Alyssa; and 4 great great nieces, Kiley, Olivia, Faith and Isobel.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Romona; his grandparents; his loving mother, Madeline (Coy); his father, Lewis; his brother, Kem; his sister, Mia and her husband Ben; and his late girlfriend, Ellen.

A memorial service will be held at 4pm on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 3PM until the time of service.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.