Charles Hersch Ph.D.

Dr. Charles (Charlie) Hersch, 89, of Dedham (formerly of Lincoln) on February 26, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dr. Phyllis Hersch; his children, Mark (Carolyn), David (Regina), Rebekah (Howard Frank), and Adam (Jennifer); seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born on the lower east side of Manhattan, Charlie grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, spending his youth with the likes of Mel Brooks, which would set the tone for his humor throughout his life. Charlie was the youngest of five children and the first to attend college. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from Brooklyn College and received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Clark University in Worcester. He served for seventeen years as Chief Psychologist and Assistant Director of the Cambridge Child Guidance Center and taught Clinical Psychology and Public Practice at Harvard. After leaving the Guidance Center, he served as Director of the Concord Area Comprehensive Mental Health Center before devoting himself full-time to private clinical practice.

Charlie was a friend and mentor to many younger psychologists and social workers. He was the first psychologist to be named President of the American Association of Psychiatric Services for Children and in 1992 received the Erza Saul Psychological Services Award from the Massachusetts Psychological Association. In his later life, he was an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and in 2006 received the Peter Murtha Inspiration Award from the Association’s Massachusetts Chapter. In 2012 Charlie received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Brooklyn College.

Charlie loved words and was an avid reader and prolific writer. He appreciated all literature, but perhaps none more than Shakespeare. He was also a passionate music enthusiast, enjoying all forms of music from folk to jazz to opera. Indeed, he could often be heard singing songs from every genre. Charlie was also a natural athlete, excelling in both softball and basketball and was a huge Boston Celtics fan. While he found great joy in many things, nothing gave him more pleasure than being surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 11:00 am, at Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA with burial at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 60 Old Sudbury Rd, Wayland, MA. Shiva will be observed from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm at NewBridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Road, Dedham, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.