Larry & Joyce Hershey

Larry and Joyce passed away in Bonita Springs, Florida two years apart from each other on March 25, 2024 and 2026.

Larry Hershey was born on May 1, 1929 in Akron, Ohio to Lloyd Hershey and Dorothy (Young) Hershey. He grew up on Ira Rd and attended Bath School. His grandfather owned Youngs Garage. Larry started working/driving a tow truck at 14 for his grandfather.

Joyce Helm was born on December 8, 1931 in Canton, Ohio to Dale Helm and Eleanor (Geisey) Helm. She grew up on Ira Rd 2 doors down from Larry. Joyce also attended Bath School 2 years behind Larry.

They met in elementary school and became good friends. They started dating in high school. Joyce was a majorette and Larry was a football player. They were married when Joyce was 17 and Larry was 19. Joyce was still in high school so they had to elope to Kentucky because she was not old enough.

Bath Fire Department became a second home for Larry and Joyce. Larry began his fire fighting journey at the age of 15. In 1964 he was sworn in as fire chief, which he held for 28 years before retiring in 1992. Larry continued to work for the fire department as a part time member until around 2018. Joyce was a member of the ladies’ auxiliary for the fire department throughout Larry’s career. (she was known as the hot dog/pie lady of the horse show).

Larry will be remembered as a handyman, always working on vehicles and tractors, and whatever else he could get his hands on.

Joyce has passed down her love of gardening, cooking and baking to the next generations.

They both enjoyed spending time at Lake Erie on their boat and in Florida.

Larry and Joyce were preceded in death by their parents, their sons Bruce Hershey and John Hershey, and their daughters Brenda Hershey and Sandy Douglas.

Larry and Joyce are survived by their daughter Bonnie Hershey, 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Please join the family on May 1, 2026 at Rose Hill Funeral Home for Calling Hours from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral Service and last alarm to start at 1230. There will be a procession escorted by Bath Fire and Police departments to Bath Center Cemetery with honors performed by the Honor Guard.