William Arthur Hershiser

William Arthur Hershiser “Bill”, passed away from this life on May 3, 2022, at his home in Kent, with his family by his side.  Born in Akron, Ohio on April 8, 1936 to Estelle and Alden Hershiser, Bill was raised in Cuyahoga Falls and was very proud to be a Black Tiger.  He attended Kent State University and met his wife Sally in a freshman speech class.  They were married for 60 years.

Bill was a longtime Kent realtor and enjoyed the friendships he made working for Seaholts and Associates, Meeker Realty, and Century 21 Wilbur Realty.  He partnered with his son, Scott Hershiser, for many years to build their own business, buying and managing rental property.  Working with Scott daily on the rentals brought so much joy to Bill’s life.

Family was the most important thing to Bill, and he was happiest when everyone was together.  He loved Sunday night dinners, playing ball with grandsons, Zach and Ross Adair, and weekend trips to the family cabin in the Allegheny National Forest, enjoying campfires, card games, chores, and plenty of laughs.  In 2007, Bill and Scott built a home on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie which brought many fun times and lots of great memories for all.  Riding all over Kelleys Island in his golf cart with his dog beside him was a highlight of the past few years for him.

Bill showed courage in facing life challenges when losing Scott suddenly, and months later, losing Sally.  He continued to live independently and kept a smile on his face through the difficult times.  One of his greatest accomplishments was helping to bring his brother, who had been missing in action for 65 years, home from Germany in 2009.  Bill was a young boy when his pilot brother, First Lieutenant Alden J. Hershiser, was shot down in WWII while on his last mission.  Bill was grateful for the opportunity to bring his brother home for a military burial next to their parents.

Bill leaves, to mourn him, his loving daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Glenn Adair, grandsons, Zachary and Ross Adair, and daughter-in-law, Penny Hershiser, all of Kent.  He was preceded in death by his wife Sally, his son Scott, his parents, and his brother.  He will be mourned by his many friends who will miss his jokes and his ability to always make them smile.

In honoring his wishes, Bill will be cremated and a private service for the family will be held, at a later date.