Richard Ivan Hershey In Loving Memory of our Dad, Richard Ivan Hershey Sept.28, 1925 to May1, 2008

Ivan Hershey, retired Mt. Whitney High School Music Teacher, died of natural causes May 1, 2008 at the age of 82.

Ivan was born during the era of the great depression. His father J. Wilmer Hershey, was an aspiring young architect in Southern California, who passed away while Ivan was still a baby. His mother Sarah moved home to Pennsylvania and with deep regret, placed her two sons at the Hershey Boys School for orphans, in Hershey, PA. It was there that dad discovered and developed his passion for music and life.

Upon graduation, Ivan moved to California. Entering the Army he served his country in World War II. Wounded in action, Ivan received a “Purple Heart”. He always carried a heavy heart for the effects of war.

Taking advantage of a GI Education, he graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. In 1950 Ivan married Dorothy James and later earned a Masters degree from California State University, Fresno.

Teaching for public schools in Twain Harte, Long Barn, Three Rivers and Porterville; The longest span of his teaching career was as vocal music instructor at Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, California from 1962 through 1978. While in Visalia, Ivan also was choir director of First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church; directed The Sequoia Singers – an adult choral group that toured to Washington DC; taught at Visalia Christian Academy and St. Paul’s and gave private voice and piano lessons. Ivan was both an active teacher and volunteer throughout Visalia Unified School District, assisting in Band, Orchestra and Vocal Music programs.

Upon retirement from teaching at Mt. Whitney High School, Ivan tried his hand at business for awhile, opening “Hershey’s Violin’s Etc…” an enterprise of love that lasted several years.

Dad taught music, but more than that, dad taught life. If you were his student, or know someone who was, you know his tremendous impact on Visalia and beyond. There was a time we daughters remember, that if someone saw our last name, the immediate reactions included statements like: “You must be Ivan’s daughter- He is an amazing guy. You are lucky to have him for a father!” And we truly are. Dad had a zeal for life and enjoyed life long learning. His enthusiasm was contagious. He did not want us to mourn. He was a gentle spiritual man, who had the highest respect for all beliefs. And he felt the common bond in all religions was love. One of his favorite comparisons was that “People are like snow flakes, no two are alike.” Whether Cooking home made Christmas cookies for family and friends, taking old students to lunch, or chatting with a complete stranger, Dad lived love in action.

Dad’s views were insightful and he never professed to have all the answers.

Richard Ivan Hershey “A true student all of his life.” Mizpah. Daddy!

Ivan is survived by his daughter, R. Christine Hershey and her partner Susan Van Horn, and their children, Christopher and Katie, daughter, Diana Louise Hershey-Nickell and her husband Dennis and their children, Isaac, Isaiah, Israel and Sarah, daughters-in-law Heather and Heathyrre, and their grandchildren, Evan, Micah, Mykayla and 2 more on the way. Daughter, M. Pauline Hershey-Gambino and husband Paul Gambino, and grandchildren Samuel Christopher Hernandez and his son Julian; Joseph Paul Rapozo; Steven Gambino; Shawn Gambino, Jonathan Hernandez, Mercedes (Cedes) Gambino and Dylan Gambino;

In all, six children, twelve grandchildren and four great -grandchildren with two on the way.

He also leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Dorothy Hershey, and his step-brother Harold Frank. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Elizabeth Frank (Brown) and J. Wilmer Hershey, and his brother Wilmer Hershey – who died in WWII.

Ivan’s wishes were for no formal services. Cards – remembrances may be sent in care of Diana Hershey-Nickell at 2323 W. Cambridge Dr., Visalia California 93277.

In Lieu of Flowers, anything you do to help a child, would make Ivan very happy.

Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Ivan Hershey, Class of 1943: The Milton S. Hershey School Alumni Association, PO Box 133 Hershey, PA 17033.

Published on May 06, 2008.