Richard R. Hersh

Richard R. Hersh, 84, of South Whitehall Township, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was born in Bucks County on February 6, 1941 to the late Paul A. and Florence E. (Ritter) Hersh. Richard was a graduate of the Milton Hershey School. He served our country faithfully in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. For over 50 years, Richard owned and operated his own beauty salon in Bethlehem, where he poured his heart and soul into his work. He was particularly proud to serve as the hairstylist for the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., contributing to the dignity and care of families during their most difficult times. His passion for artistry extended beyond hairstyling; he was also a skilled painter, working with oil, pastels and colored pencils. He studied at The Baum School of Art, where he honed his artistic abilities and developed a love for painting. He dabbled in modeling and even took on the ambitious project of writing a novel "Hooked," showcasing his creative spirit and dedication to self-expression. Richard was an auctioneer, finding joy in the thrill of the bid and the stories behind each item. His hobbies included traveling and photography, as well as snow skiing and fly fishing, sports that allowed him to embrace the outdoors and share memorable moments with friends and family.

Survivors: Companion: Sharon Boley of 40 years; nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his siblings: Mary Wagner, Betty Texter and Raymond Hersh.

Service: Will be private and at the convenience of the family. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, www.parkinson.org