Paul E. Hersey, 61, of Pinellas Park, FL passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Northside Hospital, St. Petersburg.
Born in St. Petersburg, he was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School and SPJC. Paul was a Software Engineer for Paradyne and, later, worked for Bright House Networks. He was a member and served as the President of the Unitarian Universalist Church in St. Petersburg. He was a Navy veteran of Vietnam. He enjoyed outdoor activities, including backpacking, hiking, sailing, scuba diving and photography.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Shirley Conroy; two sons, Brian Fath of Wichita, KS and Christopher Paul Kilisz of New Braunfels, TX; daughter, Jennifer Mahonchak of Tampa, FL; two brothers, Kenneth of New Port Richey, FL and Lee of Mumford, England; and four grandchildren, Christina and Sarah Papke, Joseph and Jessica Mahonchak.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Suturday, September 14, 2013 at Unitarian Universalist Church, 719 Arlington Avenue, St. Petersburg 33701 with Rev. Katy D. Korb.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the SPCA or Humane Society.
Please sign the guestbook below.
I am so sorry to hear about Paul. I enjoyed knowing him years ago at UUSP, and laughed at his many puns. I know Shirley and his family will miss him. I hope that remembering the wonderful times you all had together will bring you solace.
Jean Powell
It is so many years I have known and corresponded with Paul that I simply cannot imagine not having him nearby. Even when there were periods between our correspondence, I knew Paul was right around the corner.
He gave me such warm support. I can recall his coming out to see me perform, following my work and letting me know how much my music meant to him. He was a beautiful soul with a kind heart, a thoughtful spirit, and a funny, happy word to say at any moment.
Our friendship on email went all the way back to our earliest internet days. I can remember sharing jokes, stories, news with him every time either one of us found something that captured our interest. It seemed like there were so many subjects we both enjoyed. He was a man of discovery and insight; I saw him as a seeker of knowledge.
I will remember Paul with fondness and much love. I wish Shirley and the family deepest comfort and solace at this sad time–and many beautiful, precious memories to soothe your pain when you feel the grief of Paul’s loss.
Warmly,
Joy Katzen-Guthrie
I am so surprised to hear of Paul’s death. He was such a champion of the musicians and other creative artists in the area. He shared his ideas of how we could better market ourselves. I always enjoyed receiving his cards and the interesting items he passed along via the internet. He truly gave of himself and was a gentle, kind individual.
We have been next door neighbors with Paul and Shirley for 14 years. Paul was always very kind and eager to greet us with a smile on his face and a story or interesting anecdote while walking his sweet dog. And yes he did always manage to get a “pun” in there somewhere lol :) Shirley you have my deepest sympathy, I lost a love myself five months ago and know the shock and numbness you must be feeling. Know that Paul was always a thoughtful and helpful neighbor and his presence will be remembered and missed by us. Try to stay strong.
Jen & Taylor
Paulie has been like a cousin to me since he was first on this earth. Our mothers met in Sunday school in 1934 and my mom, Agnes, considered Helen to be her best friend and best traveling companion. His mom, Helen, taught my mom, Agnes, how to ride a bike. Helen tried unsuccessfully to teach Agnes how to swim. My family visited FL. many summers and stayed with the Herseys. We spent our time playing in their yard and going to the beach. When I moved to FL. in 1988 with my husband and three children it was so much fun to invite Helen and Paul to all our family activities. Since my husband is a musician, I had no one to dance with if I came to see him so Paul was my “date” and dance partner. Mama and I mention Helen and Paul often. He (they) will always be in our hearts.
I met Paul about 25 years ago; a chance meeting while visiting Florida and the fresh water springs that he knew so well. Since then we have only got together a handful of times for various exploits and adventures as I live in England, but thanks to Pauls dedication to keeping in touch by email and sharing topics he knew would be of interest, he has been an almost constant part of my life. Paul was the kindest and most genuine person I ever had the good fortune to meet and along with his “top punning” I will miss him so very, very much.
Shirley & Brian,
I was very surprised to hear of Paul’s passing. I know he enriched your lives, and must have been a precious “Gem” in your lives and hearts. Remember, God only takes the very best, and Paul must have been one in God’s eyes. Our prayers are with you all.
Marie & Joe Meler
Shirley I am so very sorry to hear of Pauls passing…I never met him but you told me what a Dear Man he was…it’s wonderful that you had him in your life for 18 years…..you were truly blessed with a wonderful companion…..
Knowing he’s in a better place and that you will meet again sometime in the future when God Calls you home, should be a comfort to you….. Gone but never forgotten……….
just heard about paul’s passing at the paradyne reunion…such a sad note. paul was always a gentleman and always had a smile for everyone.
my heartfelt sympathies to the family. people at the reunion were so sorry to hear the news.
I first met Paul in 3rd grade at Norwood School and we became good friends. We became really close 50 years ago and were at one or the others houses each day during the summer break from school. We were both at Lealman Jr High and St. Pete High. He was in the science club when I was president in our senior year. We also attended USF together and would share rides there sometimes. Unfortunately, I didn’t have contact with him in quite a few years. I often ride my bike by the house he grew up in on 30th Ave. and and think fondly of the times I spent visiting there and how his family was like an extension of my family and always made me feel welcome. It is nice to read the comments of those who have known Paul in recent years. I wish to add that the Paul I knew many years ago was a really good person and that I miss that we cannot get together again. God Bless you Paul and all the lives you have touched.