Keith T Herchenroether

Keith Herchenroether, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully with his wife and children by his side on the morning of March 28th, at Allegheny General Hospital, where he was born 77 years prior. This poignancy reflects his love for his hometown and his enthusiasm for coincidence. Keith, the son of James and Fern, and the younger brother of Jim, experienced a childhood full of fun and adventure in Westview. A graduate of Westminster College and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Keith was a highly gifted and prolific artist. His astounding talent as a painter, illustrator, photographer, and most notably as a ceramicist, was recognized nationally, and today countless homes are graced by his drawings, paintings, and pottery, all vibrant tributes to his memory.

Keith was the pioneer of the ceramics program and much beloved teacher at North Hills High School. It is impossible to measure the number of lives he impacted as an educator and mentor; he believed in his students and inspired them to achieve greatness both in and out of the classroom. Keith was also an avid and accomplished runner, another legacy he leaves. He started in his 30s, ran numerous 5K and 10K races, and encouraged his children to start running as well. Keith’s crowning achievement in the sport was his completion of the Pittsburgh Marathon in 2002 at age 57. He finished this race in an amazing 3 hours and 41 minutes. Above all, Keith was fiercely devoted to and proud of the family he built and nurtured with Lynne, his wife of nearly 55 years. His nine grandchildren lovingly called him Daggar, a name he adored. Daggar absolutely loved being with his family: running with them, cooking with and for them, sharing music with them, cheering them on at sporting events, attending their concerts, relaxing with them on vacations at the shore, and showering them with love, kindness, and generosity.

Keith is survived by his wife Lynne Herchenroether, his daughter Cari Tarasi and her husband Ray; his sons Tod and Dan Herchenroether and their wives Denise Balason and Sara Meirowitz; his grandchildren Raymond, Michael, and Kate Tarasi; Kai, Kaden, and Elena Herchenroether; Grant, Adam, and Ford Herchenroether. Keith’s family and friends are devastated, but they are filled with gratitude for the precious time they had with this special man. His spirit will live on in the ceramics studio, in his favorite cars, in the kitchen, at the shore, on the golf course and the trails at North Park, and in all of our hearts.

A celebration of Keith’s life will take place on Sunday, May 1st between the hours of 11:30 am and 3:30 pm at The Chadwick located at 10545 Perry Hwy Wexford PA 15090.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Keith Herchenroether to H2GO SERVES, whose mission is to promote volunteerism and provide home-cooked meals and assistance to families in crisis (3210 Fox Run Road, Allison Park PA 15101) or to the NORTH HILLS FOUNDATION, in support of the North Hills Art Department (c/o North Hills School District, 135 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15229). You may also honor Keith’s commitment to the arts by supporting a local artist.

Funeral services entrusted by the H.P. Brandt Funeral Home 1032 Perry Hwy Pittsburgh Pa 15237

412-364-4444