Paul S. Hershey

YORK- Paul Samuel Hershey, 94, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday June 16, 2026, while vacationing with his loving family at Massanutten Resort in Virginia. A special thank you to the Massanutten Resort employees, the Rockingham County first responders, and Kyger Funeral Homes for their hard work and dedication.

Paul was the husband of the late Sandra (Shaffer) Hershey to whom he was married 61 years before her death in 2016. Paul leaves behind his son Doug Hershey (Julia), daughter Beth (Hershey) Gross (Don); granddaughter Amy Gross, grandson Matt Gross (Itzel); step-grandchildren, Elias Labat-Angstadt (Ben), and David Wolfe (Kiara); two great-grandsons, Ronin Samuel (5 y.o.) (‘girlfriend’ Charley) and Sebastian (2 y.o); and a sister Lois (Hershey) Eaton (Ernie). Paul was preceded in death by his half-sister, Helen Reber, and half-brother, Lester Ehrhart.

Born on July 29, 1931, in York, PA, Paul was the son of Samuel and Mabel Hershey. He graduated from William Penn Senior High School in 1949 and went on to obtain a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Indiana Technical College in 1957. He worked for St. Onge, Ruff & Assoc. in York, PA as a refrigeration engineer for 32 years and retired in 1993. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp from 3/7/1951 until 3/6/1954. He served in Korea during the Korean War with the 1st Marine Air Wing as a jet aircraft mechanic attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Paul was involved in many activities and organizations during his lifetime. He was a volleyball referee for 50 years, being certified PIAA, USAV, NCAA, and PAVO. Paul enjoyed playing volleyball on national (representing PA in the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah) and local teams until the age of 90! Paul was on many bowling leagues throughout his lifetime and was still bowling at age 93. More recently, he played pickleball, until the age of 94. Paul was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church since 1959 and a former church councilman. He was the pitcher on the church’s slow pitch softball team which won several state championships in the 1960s and 1970s. Paul was a committee member of Boy Scout Troop #97 in York New Salem for 50 years, a member of the North Codorus Township Recreation Board, a roller-skating coach for Special Olympics, and a volleyball coordinator for the PA senior games. Paul volunteered for SpiriTrust Lutheran Home as a Hershey Park worker, was a member of Windy Hill Senior Center, and worked at the York Fair for many years in the Old Main building.

Paul was a member of the American Legion, Shiloh Post 791, the National Korean War Veterans Assoc. and Local Chapter # 178 of York County, and the Marine Corps Night Fighters Assoc. He was a life member of the Spring Grove VFW Post # 5265. Paul served on the York County Veterans Honor Guard participating in more than 3000 veteran funeral services from 2007-2025.

In 2002, Paul received a Meritorious Award from the Keystone Region Volleyball Assoc. and in 2013, he received a 35 year award as a PIAA Volleyball referee. In 2020, Paul was awarded the Citizen of the Year award from Lions International (York New Salem) and in 2021, he was inducted into the PA Keystone State Games Hall of Fame. In February 2026, Paul was nominated by the SG VFW and chosen to receive a Quilt of Valor for his time served in Korea.

Paul was the definition of a family man. Despite being busy with his social activities, family was always his number one priority. He was never too busy or too tired to attend a concert, baseball game or family vacation. He loved joining in on Easter egg hunts or attending Trunk or Treats during Halloween. When asked if he wanted to go out for ice cream, his answer, without hesitation, was ‘yes!’ There was always room for a thick chocolate shake. At age 93, we got to share memories together at Hershey Park. He even rode a few rides. For the last 7 years, he enjoyed his time living independently at Normandie Ridge, and spending time with friends, especially playing cards (pinochle, hearts, and sweep) several times a week. His greatest joy in life though was boasting about his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their accomplishments/achievements in life. He always ended a conversation saying “I love you” or “I love you back” if said to him first. Paul was the most kind, generous, dedicated, loving family man who lived life to the absolute fullest. He was an amazing role model, and we were so proud of him. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 12:30 PM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St. York, PA. with the Rev. Keith Fair officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be private at St. Jacob’s UCC cemetery in York New Salem. Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 1551 Kenneth Rd, York, PA is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you pay tribute to Paul’s generous nature by donating to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York, PA 17401 or the York County Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 712, Mt. Wolf, PA 17347.