FROM BRONX STICKBALL TO CALIFORNIA SUNSHINE - A LIFE WELL LIVED
Alan Hersh (1934-2025)
Alan Hersh, born August 10, 1934, passed away peacefully at his home in San Rafael, CA, on November 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. His life reflected an American story and the fulfillment of his family's immigrant aspirations.
Born in the Bronx in 1934 to Sam and Helen Hershkowitz, Alan was the proud son and grandson of immigrants who came to America seeking a better life. His father, a Romanian-born cap maker and union organizer, and his mother, a first-generation American, instilled in him the values of fairness, curiosity, hard work, and community, principles that shaped every part of his life. Through his devotion to family, public service, and civic engagement, Alan fulfilled the hopes his parents and grandparents carried with them when they came to the United States.
As a child, Alan was known as a "consistent one-sewer hitter" in stickball and could watch his beloved New York Yankees play for just a quarter. He attended PS 33, JHS 79, Bronx High School of Science, Hunter College, and the University of Tennessee, where he studied geology, proudly keeping his rock hammer for the rest of his life.
After passing the federal service entrance exam in 1959, Alan began a lifelong career in public service, choosing to work at the Social Security Administration, where over a 40-year career, he held numerous senior-level positions, including Assistant Deputy for Policy in the Western Region and ending his career as Director of Systems Operations for the Western Region. He dedicated his career to making sure the government worked for the people who needed it most.
Alan married his first wife, Esther Wisotsky, in 1963, and together they raised three sons, Stuart, Mark, and Ira. In 1974, they decided to move west and settled in Marin County, California. Alan liked to say they made the move "so we'd never have to shovel snow again." In the Bay Area, he rekindled his connection with the San Francisco Giants and passed that passion down through generations.
Alan coached Little League, served on the league board, and even served as president for several years. He made sure every player had a chance to play and a ride to every game or practice, often quietly providing gloves and rides to the boys from St. Vincent's School.
A lifelong learner and voracious reader, Alan's curiosity never slowed down. From The Hardy Boys and John R. Tunis to biographies, history, and mysteries, he read fiction, non-fiction, and everything he could get his hands on. Even in retirement, his love of math, numbers, and helping others led him to become a tax preparer for more than 25 years, including 15 years as a Master Tax Advisor.
In November 2000, Alan married his second wife, Shalene White Bernstein. Together they shared a love of travel, theater, music, art, and literature. He was a dedicated crossword puzzler, an unbeatable Scrabble player, and as many would attest, nearly impossible to beat at trivia.
Alan is survived by his wife, Shalene; his first wife, Esther; his sons, Stuart (Ruth), Mark (Emilie), and Ira; his beloved grandchildren, who knew him best as "Grandpa Noodles" and "Pops"; and his great-grandchildren. They will all carry with them his memory and his legacy of integrity, kindness, curiosity, consistency, and love of life.
A Request From Shalene
On November 24th at 5:00 PM PST, which would have been their 25th anniversary, Shalene gently asks that you pause to remember Alan in whatever way feels right to you, through a thought, a prayer, or the glow of a candle, so we may hold him in our hearts together.
A celebration of his life with his immediate family will be held soon.
Alan Hersh (1934-2025)
Alan Hersh, born August 10, 1934, passed away peacefully at his home in San Rafael, CA, on November 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. His life reflected an American story and the fulfillment of his family's immigrant aspirations.
Born in the Bronx in 1934 to Sam and Helen Hershkowitz, Alan was the proud son and grandson of immigrants who came to America seeking a better life. His father, a Romanian-born cap maker and union organizer, and his mother, a first-generation American, instilled in him the values of fairness, curiosity, hard work, and community, principles that shaped every part of his life. Through his devotion to family, public service, and civic engagement, Alan fulfilled the hopes his parents and grandparents carried with them when they came to the United States.
As a child, Alan was known as a "consistent one-sewer hitter" in stickball and could watch his beloved New York Yankees play for just a quarter. He attended PS 33, JHS 79, Bronx High School of Science, Hunter College, and the University of Tennessee, where he studied geology, proudly keeping his rock hammer for the rest of his life.
After passing the federal service entrance exam in 1959, Alan began a lifelong career in public service, choosing to work at the Social Security Administration, where over a 40-year career, he held numerous senior-level positions, including Assistant Deputy for Policy in the Western Region and ending his career as Director of Systems Operations for the Western Region. He dedicated his career to making sure the government worked for the people who needed it most.
Alan married his first wife, Esther Wisotsky, in 1963, and together they raised three sons, Stuart, Mark, and Ira. In 1974, they decided to move west and settled in Marin County, California. Alan liked to say they made the move "so we'd never have to shovel snow again." In the Bay Area, he rekindled his connection with the San Francisco Giants and passed that passion down through generations.
Alan coached Little League, served on the league board, and even served as president for several years. He made sure every player had a chance to play and a ride to every game or practice, often quietly providing gloves and rides to the boys from St. Vincent's School.
A lifelong learner and voracious reader, Alan's curiosity never slowed down. From The Hardy Boys and John R. Tunis to biographies, history, and mysteries, he read fiction, non-fiction, and everything he could get his hands on. Even in retirement, his love of math, numbers, and helping others led him to become a tax preparer for more than 25 years, including 15 years as a Master Tax Advisor.
In November 2000, Alan married his second wife, Shalene White Bernstein. Together they shared a love of travel, theater, music, art, and literature. He was a dedicated crossword puzzler, an unbeatable Scrabble player, and as many would attest, nearly impossible to beat at trivia.
Alan is survived by his wife, Shalene; his first wife, Esther; his sons, Stuart (Ruth), Mark (Emilie), and Ira; his beloved grandchildren, who knew him best as "Grandpa Noodles" and "Pops"; and his great-grandchildren. They will all carry with them his memory and his legacy of integrity, kindness, curiosity, consistency, and love of life.
A Request From Shalene
On November 24th at 5:00 PM PST, which would have been their 25th anniversary, Shalene gently asks that you pause to remember Alan in whatever way feels right to you, through a thought, a prayer, or the glow of a candle, so we may hold him in our hearts together.
A celebration of his life with his immediate family will be held soon.
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