Jay Albert Hershberger

Jay Albert Hershberger, 87, passed away on Sunday March 5, 2023, within his home in Irmo, SC with his wife Doris by his side. Jay was a Beloved Husband and Father who was always a pillar of his community and a strong foundation for his family. Born on December 20, 1935, in Johnstown, PA, he was the son of the late Margaret Peden and Albert Clinton Hershberger. He was graduated from Conemaugh Township High School in 1954.

A celebration of life for Jay will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Union United Methodist Church, 7582 Woodrow St, Irmo, South Carolina 29063, followed by a gathering of family and friends at 3:00 pm.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Doris Romayne Peterson, his cherished daughter and son, Jill Ann Hershberger Washabau (Gerald) of Irmo and James Jay Hershberger (Sandra) of Apex, NC; three beloved grandchildren, Nicholas McCullough Washabau (Jessica) of Prosperity, John-Henry James Hershberger and Sierra Nichole Hershberger of Apex, NC and one great-grandchild Drew McCullough Washabau of Prosperity.

Jay proudly served in the US Navy aboard The USS Abbot (DD 629), Fletcher Class Destroyer. He was very Proud to be called “Tin-Can” Sailor. He and Doris were members of The National Association of Destroyer Veterans and would attend their reunions across the country.

Early in 1956, Abbot the destroyer conducted training in Cuban waters through most of summer and was subsequently reassigned to Destroyer Squadron 10 along with her entire division. The warship then underwent preparations for a deployment to the Mediterranean. That assignment began in November 1956 and lasted until February 1957. They were primarily in the Mediterranean to observe the Suez Canal Entry Point. In the fall of 57, Abbot participated in Operation Strikeback, a NATO exercise conducted in the northeastern Atlantic. During that mission, she made port visits to Belfast in Northern Ireland and to Chatham, England.

Jay was an “Electronics Engineer”, schooled in the US Navy, he put his education to good use becoming one of the “go-to” creators of early electronics in the company FEMCO in Irwin, PA.

He was devoted member of the Evangelical United Brethren and United Methodist churches as a Lay Leader and grew up a member of the Youth Fellowship ensuring his children would begin this way as well. This all led to a strong family bond where Christ is a concrete foundation to grow on and to center and strengthen his family into what it is today.

Jay always had an engaging smile and spirit which immediately opened him up to anyone wanting or needing a story whether they already heard or not.

“And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched,

for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.”