David Allen Hershberger

David Allen Hershberger “Dave”, 79, of Fort Pierce, FL passed away on May 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born April 8, 1944 in Canton, Ohio, the son of Carl and Betty (Winn) Hershberger.

Although born in Ohio, Dave grew up in Florida after his parents relocated with his two younger brothers, Phillip and Gene Hershberger when Dave was a young boy.  Throughout his lifetime he lived in several different states; Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, Louisiana and Florida were but a few of the places he lived, but Dave always maintained close ties to Florida where his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter live.  Florida would ultimately serve as the final stop on Dave’s whirlwind life tour.

Dave attended Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1961; while in the Navy he served as a radioman during the Vietnam War, until his honorable discharge in 1963.  Throughout his lifetime Dave continued to support and participate in various veteran causes and was a member of the American Legion.

Following his service to our country, Dave began his 34-year long career with United Parcel Service. During his time with UPS Dave fulfilled a number of important roles, starting out first as a truck driver and ultimately retiring as labor-relations manager for the South Florida Division of the company.  Dave was a highly regarded employee and when UPS began shipping internationally, the company sent him to Spain to help set up branches in Barcelona and Madrid. Dave’s dedication and service to UPS was awarded with many plaques and trophies all of which are proudly displayed in his home office along with his extensive collection of sports memorabilia and family photos.  While working for UPS Dave also obtained a degree from Brentwick University in Human Relations.

Dave is survived by his wife Carrie (Shapiro) of 34 years, whom he married on February 9, 1989; although married for 34 years Dave and Carrie were an inseparable team for 41 plus years.  Carrie and Dave enjoyed many activities together; both being avid golfers and tennis players, they were quite the dynamic duo.  Throughout their time together they travelled the world and experienced the best life had to offer; to be in their presence was to truly be in the presence of love and companionship.

Dave is also survived by his three children; daughters Cindy Leigh Ekberg (Tommy) of West Palm Beach, FL, and Tammi Jo Buchanan (Jeff) of Fort Pierce, FL, and son Jason David Hershberger (Shawna) of Fort Lauderdale, FL; granddaughter Teighlor Pope and grandson Chase Waters, both of Fort Pierce, FL, Great-Granddaughter Ella Howell, of West Palm Beach, FL, brothers Phillip (Shirley) Hershberger of St. Louis, MO, and Gene (Cheryl) Hershberger of Summerfield, FL. Dave is predeceased by his grandson Robert (Robbie) Howell, a U.S. Army Veteran who served in multiple tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.  Robbie who his grandfather affectionally referred to as “the Robster”, was also most notably the proud father of Great-Granddaughter Ella Ocean, who Grandpa Dave could not brag about enough.  Dave is also predeceased by his parents, Carl and Betty Hershberger.

Those who knew Dave well would tell you that he was a HUGE Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Braves fan, who loved sports of all kinds, and was fiercely competitive in anything he played.  Throughout his life Dave played baseball, golf, and tennis, but was also a gifted snow skier who especially loved Lake Tahoe.  Dave’s other loves included the Beach Boys, slaw dogs, classic cars (especially convertibles), board games (especially Monopoly), poker, and spending time with his friends and family.

Anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in his honor, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, one of Dave’s charitable organizations, or any veteran’s organization.

A memorial service will be held Monday, May 22, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Haisley Funeral Home, 3015 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, FL  34947.