Michael H. Hershock

Michael Howard Hershock, aged 80, of Carlisle, PA, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025.

Born March 6, 1945, he was the son of Howard and Anna (née Hall) of Lancaster, PA. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Michael served as a Second Lieutenant in the Transportation Corps of 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He graduated from Penn State University in 1967 with a B.S. in Political Science and again in 1969 with an M.A. in Public Administration. Ultimately, he settled in Boiling Springs, PA, and resided in “the house in the woods” for more than four decades.

Michael’s distinguished career in Pennsylvania’s state government began in the early 1970s and included twelve years in the role of Executive Director of the House of Representatives Democratic Appropriations Committee. From 1987-1994, he served two consecutive terms as the Secretary of the Budget in Governor Robert P. Casey’s cabinet. In 1989 and 1995, Penn State University recognized Michael’s leadership, public service, and positive impacts on society via the Alumni Fellow Award and Distinguished Alumni Award, respectively. Similarly, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology awarded him an Honorary Doctorate degree in 2000.

After decades of military and public service, Michael’s career focus transitioned to making U.S. higher education financially accessible for all students. As president and CEO, he led the American Education Services (AES), also known as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), from 1994 to 2002. Then, until 2009, he served as the president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation (PHEF), supporting more than 40,000 students with over $85 million in scholarships to address Pennsylvania’s nursing shortage.

A devoted husband, Michael married his high school sweetheart, Joan DiLucia, in 1967, and they shared their lives for more than 60 years. He was also a proud and loving brother, father, and (great) grandfather. Nothing made him happier than a gathering of his family, especially (great) grandchildren. However, fly fishing at his retirement cabin in Pecos, NM might have been a close second. His many other passions included bird hunting, raising golden retrievers, woodworking, racquetball, national parks, American war history, musical theater, Penn State football, delicious food, and bourbon. Michael (Grandad) will be missed for his keen intellect, rakish sense of humor, rock-solid dependability, steadfast moral compass, indomitable will, loving heart, generosity, willingness to listen, crushing bear hugs, incomparable ham and bean soup, and much more.

Michael is survived by his wife, Joan Hershock (née DiLucia); sister Jenelle Hershock; three children, Michael Duane Hershock (Lisa), Chad Hershock (Heidi), and Lara Faust (Bill); seven grandchildren, Michael Brandon Hershock, Alex Hershock (Jess), Cody Hershock (Becca), Owen Hershock, Jimmy Faust, Nate Faust, and Alaina Faust; one great-grandchild, Mason Hershock; and an enormous, silly golden retriever, Buster.

A celebration of life gathering will be planned in the future for Michael’s extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Golden Retrievers in Need (www.grinrescue.org).