Richard Francis Hendershot

The oldest of three children, he was born on Winding Hill in Bellaire, Ohio, on July 17, 1937, to parents Francis Edward and Ethel Parker Hendershot. He graduated from Bellaire High School in 1955 and entered the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company Apprenticeship School in Akron. When he acquired a Stationery Engineer’s License, he was the youngest to do so at that time. He then entered the Goodyear Management Training Squadron. He retired as department foreman of Plant 2 Powerhouse in 1991 after 36 years of service.

Rich was a talented man. He led a purpose driven life and had a plan for every day. He was a skilled woodturner and craftsman and exhibited his work at art shows and galleries throughout northeast Ohio for over 20 years. His final works were a walnut chalice and patten created for Father David. He was an accomplished amateur photographer. He loved the American West and shared the images his camera captured of its unique beauty during the family’s 40 years of extensive travel. Rich will be fondly remembered as an excellent cook who made family birthday dinners and reunions memorable celebrations. Rich enjoyed fishing, hiking, birdwatching, playing cards, golfing, and playing pool with his son and the Conroy boys. He took deep pride in sharing his family history and encouraged his children to preserve it. One of life's joys for Rich was his dogs Hoshi and Roxxie.

Rich was a faithful member of St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church and was proud to have worked with his dear friend Paul Krieger and many others on the building of the new church.

Nothing was more important to Rich than his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Judith (Demkowicz) Hendershot, daughters Lynn Hendershot, Lisa (Dave) Nutt, son Steve E. (Yumi) Hendershot; granddaughters Rebecca (Matt) Miles and Ericka Hendershot-Dillon; great granddaughter Spencer Miles. Rich will be also be greatly missed by his beloved cousins Bill and Phyllis Hendershot and their family, sisters and brothers-in-law Bob (Marcia - deceased) Gnuse, Carol (Joe) Glaser, John (Debbie) Demkowicz, nephews David Gnuse, Adam (Heather) Glaser, Michael Glaser, Jason(Courtney) Demkowicz, Fred Demkowicz and niece Janet Logan and several great nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death.

Friends will be received Thursday, April 30, 2015, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna and on Friday from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church, 3487 Old Forge Rd., Rootstown. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend David Misbrener on Friday at 11:00 AM at the church. Internment will follow at St. Peter of the Fields Cemetery.

Condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. The family expresses deep gratitude to each member of the Summa Visiting Nurse and Hospice team, the Cooper Cancer Center, AlterCare of Brimfield and Dr. Mark Meyer and nurse Carrie at Northeast Family Health. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Peter of the Fields Building Fund or to Summa Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 444 N. Main St., Suite 2, Akron, OH 44310.