Steven Hershey

1953 - 2022

Steven Hershey
October 17, 1953 - April 3, 2022
Carmel Valley
Steve Hershey, age 68 of Carmel Valley passed away unexpectedly at his place of work on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
Steve was born on October 17, 1953 in Lancaster, PA. There he worked on his family's farm where he developed his skills for hard work and dedication. He later moved to Carmel where he started a family and discovered his self-taught talent for crafting art from wood. Steve established Hershey's Fine Woodworking in 1985 and today the Monterey Peninsula is adorned with countless pieces of his work. It's hard to drive down the streets of Carmel without spotting much of Steve's quality craftsmanship. Steve loved the art of woodworking, but his true passion was helping others. A founding member and President of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team, Steve was a devoted volunteer and mentor to many. Some would describe him as the head and heart of the team. His daughter describes him as a loving father who inspired her every day and taught her to appreciate the simple yet important things in life. In his 31 years of service with the Search and Rescue Team Steve has received a myriad of awards from responder of the year to the prestigious Peabody award from Cal OES.
Steve had a simplistic outlook on life which allowed him to live it to its fullest. He was motivated and rewarded by the prospect of a job well done. A man of many talents and a true inspiration to anyone who knew him. As a pillar of the community, he will be deeply missed and happily remembered by so many.
Steve was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Hershey and son Brandon Hershey. He is survived by his mother, Betty Hershey; sisters, Linda Lapp, Barb Rohrer, Susan Yoder; daughter, Stephanie Foster; grandsons, Clayton Hershey and Donovan Hershey. Though much of Steve's family resides outside of California, Steve was surrounded by close friends, including his loyal SAR family.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team in Steve Hershey's name. A celebration of life ceremony will be announced at a future date.
SAR22 may have signed off, but his infectious laugh and selfless acts will forever live on in our memories.


View the online memorial for Steven Hershey