Dick Hess, Pa. state representative

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Dick Hess, 74, of Bedford, who served 14 terms in the House and chaired the Transportation Committee, died Friday.

Hess died from complications that arose after leg surgery about two weeks ago, the House speaker's office confirmed.

Speaker Sam Smith said in a news release that Hess (R., Bedford) was surrounded by family members when he died at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Hess was closely involved in the recent debate about whether to raise billions of dollars for roads, bridges and mass transit.

Smith said he and Hess came to the House as freshmen representatives in 1987, and described Hess as a good friend, an ally, and a devoted family man.

"He's been a tireless public servant and truly helped so many people," said Smith (R., Jefferson).

Hess's rural western Pennsylvania district included all of Fulton County and parts of Bedford and Huntingdon Counties.

He spent 15 years as Bedford County's prothonotary and clerk of courts, and had been chief clerk to the county commissioners.

His survivors include Shirley, his wife of 49 years, a son, and three grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were being made Friday.