Hershel "Hersh" Eugene Simington, Jr.

Hershel “Hersh” Eugene Simington, Jr.

-Husband, father, grandfather, but most of all, friend

Hershel “Hersh” Eugene Simington, Jr., age 75, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Altoona, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 22, 2022.  Hersh was born on Thursday, September 5, 1946, in Roaring Spring to the late Hershel Eugene Simington, Sr. and Marlene Jane (Himes) Simington.  In addition to his parents, Hersh is preceded in death by his brothers, Rob and Tommy Simington.

Hersh’s survivors include his wife of 54 years, Annetta (McAlarney) Simington; his three daughters: Kimberly “Kim” Simington of Mechanicsburg; Kerensa “Kerry” Finley and her husband, RJ, of Mechanicsburg; Kassandra “Kassy” Shute and her husband, Omar, of Mechanicsburg; his five grandchildren: Anna Finley,  Lily Finley,  Alec Shute, Gabriela Shute and Allison Shute; his sister, Laura Lowey and her husband, Bill, of Altoona; his brother, George Simington and his wife, Beth, of Altoona; and his sister in law, Dee Simington of Altoona.  Hersh was fortunate that all of his girls and their families resided in Mechanicsburg and were very close to him.

In his early years, Hersh played baseball for 13th Ward in Altoona.  He played first base and outfield.  As a switch hitter, he would taunt the pitcher by pointing to where he would hit the ball, being credited with numerous RBI’s and home runs.  His love of baseball continued throughout his life.  In later years, Hersh coached baseball at Harrisburg High School, played softball for a variety of teams and coached his daughters and friends in softball.  The highlight of his later years was watching his grandchildren play a variety of sports.

Hersh graduated from Altoona High School in 1964 and then attended Shippensburg State College.  He was drafted into the Army in 1966, where he served 4 years with one tour in Vietnam.  He attended Officer Candidate’s School (OCS) at Ft. Benning, Georgia.  Upon completion of his military career, where he achieved the rank of Captain, he reenrolled at Shippensburg and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and a Master of Education Degree in Counseling.  He later received his Principal Certificate from Western Maryland College.

Hersh retired from Harrisburg School District in 1999 after 26 years.  His love of mathematics and for his students saw him returning to the classroom after 8 years as a high school principal.  Coaching baseball, soccer and the chess team brought him great joy.  His pride for his students was always evident in his great big “Hersh” smile when he met his students after graduation and learned of their accomplishments.  He served as President of Harrisburg Education Association for several terms.  Many summers were spent traveling across the United States attending National Education Association (NEA) Conventions.  Hersh would take his stipend and buy gas for the Coachmen RV and take his family with him.

After retirement, Hersh became part owner of B & J’s Antique Mall, Dillsburg, PA.  His love of antiques, baseball cards, and vintage paper items made this a great hobby.  He later volunteered to babysit his first two grandchildren when they were only 6 weeks old.  Hersh told his girls that he would give them 5 years... 5 years and a total of five grandchildren later, he retired again.  Hersh, known as Pappy, will be greatly missed by the babies he watched.

Hersh was a member of Shepherdstown United Methodist Church (SUMC) where he taught Sunday School to youth and adults as well as served on several committees.  His favorite church activities were playing softball, organizing the White Elephant Sale and helping make Easter eggs.  He loved coaching softball with his daughters and their friends.  His demonstration of patience, sense of humor, perseverance and “never give up attitude” helped to develop the potential in every girl.  He felt that every girl deserved a chance and it was his job as coach to discover, nurture, and improve their skills while helping them love softball.  As his girls got older and became teachers, he volunteered in their classrooms chaperoning field trips, attending class parties and helping students in their rooms.

Hersh was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirate fan, but also cheered for the LA Dodgers and LV Raiders with his grandson, unless they were playing Pittsburgh.  He was known to say “That’s Disgusting!” when the referee missed or made a bad call or he didn’t agree with the coach’s decision.  At the college level, he followed Penn State football.  Driving to many bowl games to watch several of his former students from Harrisburg play was the highlight of the season ending.

Hersh was a member of the Mechanicsburg Vietnam Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) South Mountain Post 6771; American Legion Post 26 Dillsburg, the 4th Infantry Division; and the Progress Fire Company.  His hobbies included collecting baseball cards; buying and selling antiques; clerking for Mike Cease and Chuck Bricker, Auctioneers; dancing to the 60’s oldies music; Cruising with Concerts at Sea (CAS) with his wife; and watching his five grandchildren play a variety of sports.  His style of dancing was unique to his personality; many tried to mimic his dance moves.

What attracted you to Hersh was his broad welcoming smile and his sense of humor.  His students used to say that Mr. Simington would do anything to help them understand math - even bang his head on the chalkboard!  He was known to say, “Let’s try it again!”.

In his last days, Hersh asked that there be no sadness because he led a full life and was ready to meet his Lord.  He wanted his friends and family to celebrate life enjoying 60’s music playing while they danced, sang, told funny stories and had fun!  And, don’t forget to play Wooly Bully by Sam the Sham, Soldier Boy by the Shirelles and the Electric Slide - “his style”.

Hersh was a kind, gentle man with a forever smile who will be greatly missed by family and friends.

All are welcome to join Hersh’s family at his celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Saturday, February 5, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance and storytelling at 2:30 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory).  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Hersh’s life can be made to Residential Home Health Care, 100 Sterling Parkway, Suite 110, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Hersh’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Hersh’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.