Richard DeHart Hershey

Richard DeHart Hershey, 91, died May 5, 2025, at Tower Health-Reading Hospital, West Reading.

He was the widower of Travella Jean (Hunsicker) Hershey who died November 28, 2024

Born February 18, 1934, he was the son of Robert E. Hershey and Mima M. (DeHart) Hershey.

Richard was a 1952 graduate of Reading High School, after which he went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant while stationed in Newfoundland.  He later worked in maintenance and the construction crew as a pipefitter for Western Electric/AT&T.

Richard was an avid beekeeper maintaining and harvesting honey from several apiaries that he kept at numerous farms throughout Berks County. Over the years, Richard worked independently managing properties and hauling scrap metal. He had a love for travel, cruising to places like Alaska, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and the Amazon River. He was honored by Princess Cruise Lines for reaching the 50 cruises milestone. 

Surviving are his two children: Rodney Hershey, husband of Mary of Schuylkill Haven and Julie (Hershey) Roth, wife of Thomas of Muhlenberg Township.

Other survivors include his four grandchildren: Jillian Roth, wife of Neil Mitra; Jayne Roth, fiancé of Colby Irizarry; Evelyn Roth; and Grant Roth. A step-grandson, Jonathan Atkinson. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Hershey, San Diego, CA.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 24th at 10 a.m. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA 17003.

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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