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Matthew Hershey Obituary

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY Matthew R. Hershey, 43, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2010, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Matt fought a courageous battle with melanoma over the last four years and his spirit, zest for life and deep appreciation for each day was an inspiration to all. He'll be remembered in our hearts as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, poet, fisherman, runner, cook, arrowhead collector, music fan, gardener, and in his own words a lover of this 'beautiful life.' Matt obtained his undergraduate degree in English from Pennsylvania State University and earned his Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Delaware. He went on to a successful career in academic publishing, most recently as a National Sales Manager for Gale-Cengage Learning. Mr. Hershey married the love of his life, Kathleen Hartwell, in 1991. They had two beautiful daughters, Molly now 12 and Madeline age 10. Matt was born on April 3, 1967, in York, the oldest son of Robert and Sherry Hershey and Judith and Richard Enterline. In addition, Matt is survived by his sister, Kim Kelly and brother, Mark Hershey. You are invited to attend Matt's Memorial Service on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Church in the Vineyard in West Grove, 111 Vineyard Way, West Grove, PA 19390. Family will begin to receive guests beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossing the Finish Line http://www.crossingthefinishline.org/ways-to-donate.asp#memorials or the Melanoma Research Foundation http://donations.melanoma.org/cart/checkout Arrangements by Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home, West Grove, (610-869-2685). Online condolences to www.griecocares.com

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Published by York Daily Record on Sep. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Hershey

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Carolyn Travers

September 26, 2020

Matt was not only a friend but also a former co-worker of mine at Scholarly Resources. His comedic side is absolutely legendary, and his love of God, family, and friends will always be among many of Matt's forever endearing qualities. It's truly hard to believe that it's been ten years, but Matt is still fondly remembered and always will be missed--Carolyn Travers

October 4, 2010

The touching and heartfelt service and celebration of life were exactly what Matt wanted and especially what his family and friends needed. The tribute to him was full of love, faith, hope, and humor, all of which were part of Matt's amazing and inspirational life--Carolyn Travers, New Castle, Delaware

Steve Feeser

October 4, 2010

Matt lived a few doors up the street from me when we were kids. I have lots of great memories playing softball and football and riding skateboards. We fell out of touch in junior high school, and I have often wondered about him. I pray for his family. He was a nice guy who will be missed.

Julie Ulrich

October 3, 2010

I only knew Matt in high school, and I remember him as an incredibly kind, smart and talented person. I see from his inspiring poetry and posts on melanomaforum.org that as a grown man he was still just as kind, smart and talented. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

MIF Melanoma International Foundation

October 3, 2010

We would like to honor Matthew's memory by posting a link to some of his poetry and thoughts he posted the past few months of his life.
Go to: www.melanomaforum.org and put PAPoet in the SEARCH box. He gave so much to our melanoma community in such a short time.

Melanie Wilson

October 3, 2010

I moved away from PA in 1985 when I left for college and then relocated to Minnesota. I hadn't talked to Matt in years. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Matt's passing. I will always remember him as a great guy, always positive and always bringing laughter to a room. My thoughts are with all of you as you navigate through this difficult time.

Nedra Johnstone

October 2, 2010

One can't say enough nice things about Matt to do him justice. He was smart, genuine, kind and extremely funny. I knew Matt since the 7th grade. I fell out of touch with him after high school but am gratified to see how wonderfully his life turned out and that he was such an amazing husband and father. My sincerest sympathies go out to his family and closest friends. Matt is someone who will be missed by many.

Catherine Poole

October 2, 2010

Matthew was a wonderful addition to our forum at the Melanoma International Foundation, in fact we started a poetry column at his suggestion and published some of his work which was compelling. We will miss Matthew and I personally feel honored for our long conversations we had. I wish his family much comfort during this terrible time for them.

Steve Heinrich

October 2, 2010

I credit Matt directly for my survival of the Jr. High/High School years, where his friendship and council helped me make it through the rough times. Wish I would have stayed in better touch in the time since. Perhaps, could have returned the favor.

Taking Dan's lead, searched through my old photo albums for a good shot of Matt. The best I found was Matt's 7th grade picture. Hopefully, it will help rekindle some memories to help keep him alive.

Safe journeys, brother.

Becky Silva

October 2, 2010

Too many years and memories to try to be original, so I'm going to quote Anne of Green Gables: "'I want to be quite silent and quiet and try to realize it. I can't realize it. Half the time it seems to me that Matt(hew) can't be dead, and the other half it seems as if he must've been dead for a long time and I've had this horrible, dull ache ever since...' Matt(hew), whom she'd loved so much and who had been so kind to her...She could see Matt(hew)'s face, as he had smiled at her when they parted...She could hear his voice..."

Kathy Myer

October 1, 2010

Dear Judy & Dick,

I am so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. You & your family will be in my thoughts & prayers during this hard time! May all the memories of him give you comfort & may you know that God has his arms around you thru the love & hugs of those around you! Thinking of you! Kathy Myer

Amy Silar

October 1, 2010

Aunt Judy & Uncle Dick,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Matt. He will be missed by all. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Mark Robinson

September 30, 2010

Very thankful for having known Matt when we worked at Scholarly Resources. I pray for Kathy and the girls that they may find comfort in knowing that Matt was a special person and touched many lives.

Bill Hohn

September 30, 2010

Matt has left an enduring impression on me. I’m thankful for having the opportunity to share time in his life as fleeting as it was. I found him to be someone who one could make an immediate connection with. What a funny guy with a zest for life that we all can learn from and strive to practice each precious day. My prayers are with his family.

Carl Hirschman

September 30, 2010

I didn't keep in touch with Matt after High School, but I have on several occasions wondered what he was up to, and how he was doing. I was very sorry to hear about his passing away.

I played Matt's older brother in our Senior Class play, Ketti Fring's adaptation of Thomas Wolf's "Look Homeward Angel". One memory of Matt that keeps playing over and over in my head is this scene:

http://books.google.com/books?id=qgevd87JlhMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=look+homeward+angel&source=bl&ots=3INAvvdRr1&sig=tAuY-WozfipmTAC0KhDqEMZkApU&hl=en&ei=-iekTPL4Hor6swPl2ZH-Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CDQQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=listen%20to%20me&f=false

where my character Ben, grabs his character Eugene, and says "Listen to me..". It was supposed to be a serious scene, but we kept cracking up in rehearsals. I can't believe we managed to keep straight faces during the performances.

Matt was a funny guy, and had a great sense of humor. My sincerest condolences go out to his wife and kids, his family and friends.

Dan Escaro

September 29, 2010

This man was my best friend and I consider him my brother. One of the greatest blessings in my life has been being connected to him and his wonderful family. He was the greatest husband and father I have ever seen, and he was truly an inspiration to me in these roles. I know his family will miss him dearly, and my heart goes out to them at this difficult time.

Marcia Gallagher Martin

September 29, 2010

I was saddened to hear that Matt lost his battle with cancer. I'm sorry I didn't know Matt personally but he must have been a truly wonderful son, husband and father. May God who is our refuge in times of sorrow and trouble continue to give you strength as you grieve your loss.

Cheryl White Carson

September 29, 2010

Everyone says the same thing about Matt: What a great man. Sending up prayers for the family for continued strength, peace, and to be surrounded by love as you honor Matt's memory.

Scott Krenzel

September 29, 2010

Truly a remarkable person and great friend. I will miss Matt. He will live on in my memories and my heart forever.

Steve Davis

September 29, 2010

My prayers are with all the Hershey family and everyone who knew Matt. You were a kind friend, Matt. I always looked up to you and always will. God bless you.

Scott Krenzel

September 29, 2010

Truly a remarkable person and great friend. I will miss him. He will live on in my memories and my heart forever.

Melissa Ferris

September 29, 2010

to family,,,you are all in my prayers and love you all very much..

Kim Bove

September 29, 2010

I will always be grateful to Matt for treating my daughter Jordan like his own. She called him Fred and he was ok with that. He was truly a wonderful man full of many endearing qualities. I thought of him more than just a neighbor but as a friend. I will miss his camp outs and his impromptu bonfires and his smile. He will be missed but remembered forever. As a family we planted a cherry tree in our front yard as a tribute to him. We will watch it grow and flower every year and try to re-create the cherry jam he made so deliciously for us. All our love to the Hershey family.

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