Corwin C. Hale

Corwin C. Hale, 81, of Harrisburg, passed away on August 9. 2025, at his home. The son of the late Charles and Juanita (nee Coleman) Hale, he was born in Flint, MI in 1943.

He attended Alma College, Western Michigan University, and SUNY Stony Brook, where he earned degrees in US History and Anthropology.

Corwin moved to Harrisburg in 1967 to begin a teaching career at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), which lasted 47 years. Professor Hale had a passion for his subjects and for teaching itself. He was beloved by students, some of whom continued to reach out to him decades after they'd taken his classes. He led student trips to Mexico for many years and enjoyed introducing students to the wonders of Mayan culture and architecture.

Corwin was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister, Betsy Marie Anderson and her husband Roy Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Ellen Roche; his sons, Clark (Rebecca Lurie) and Jethro Hale; grandson, Owen Hale; granddaughters, Ruby and Lily Hale; nieces, Diana and Liz Hoffman; nephews, Craig and Mark Castleman (Colleen), and Ben Hoffman (Ally); his cousins, Louise Hunt and Tim Hunt; and numerous great-nieces; and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, 12PM, at Hetrick Bitner Funeral Home, Inc., 3125 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation from 11AM – 12PM. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Corwin's honor may donate to The Nature Conservancy or The American Civil Liberties Union.