P. Kenneth Hershey, Former Longtime Mayor Of Seaside Heights, Dies

P. Kenneth Hershey, who served as mayor of Seaside Heights for 22 years, died on July 30 at his home.

Hershey - who served on the Township Council for many years - challenged former longtime Mayor George E. Tompkins in the 1990 mayoral election and won. His election came after the state Commission of Investigaton probed Seaside Heights financial practices. Hershey had often said he was kept “out of the loop” by other officials and was unaware of any problems.

His obituary is provided courtesy of the Timothy E. Ryan Home For Funerals:

Hershey was born in Spring Lake and was a lifelong resident of Seaside Heights,.

Ken was an integral part of Seaside Heights where he owned and operated several businesses and was involved in all aspects of the community. He was a school board member, a councilman and then finally mayor for 22 years. He was also a member of the Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Dept. Station #44, the Ocean County Republican Club, the Seaside Heights Property Owners and the Seaside Heights Fishing Club.

He was predeceased by his parents Paul and Mabel Hershey and his brother Jack Hershey.

Surviving are his four children, Steven Hershey and his wife Debbie of Ocean City, MD, Gail Hershey of Pelican Island, NJ, Cara Hershey and her Fiancé Chris Anthony of Seaside Park, NJ and Erik Hershey of Seaside Heights, NJ, one brother Richard Hershey of Colorado and five grandchildren Nichole, Sean, Michael, Chrissy and Madyson and three four-legged grand dogs Larry, Lloyd and She-She.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday August 6, 2014 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals 809 Central Ave. Seaside Park, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held on at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Carteret Avenue stage in Seaside Heights, NJ. Committal will follow to Ocean County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Dept. Station #44 P.O. Box 386 Seaside Heights, NJ 08751

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com