Richard "Dick" Hersam

August 4, 1931 - February 15, 2021

On February 15, 2021, Richard “Dick” Arthur Hersam, loving husband and father of eight children, passed away in Syracuse, NY at the age of 89 after a year battling significant heart conditions. Dick was born on August 4, 1931 to Richard and Edith (Clark) Hersam in Stoneham MA. After serving in the US Army, he received his Bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and his Master’s Degree from USC. On December 28, 1963, he married Karen Faye Ianuzi and they raised five daughters, Cheryl, Rachel, Melinda, Rebecca and Anna, and three sons, Richard, Michael and Samuel. Dick had a love of learning and would regularly read books and articles that were uplifting and edifying. This contributed to his joy of serving and he would often help others move in and out of their homes in the area, mow the neighbor’s yard and other acts of service. He took after his father and loved gardening throughout his life, providing food for the family table and wholesome work the family. He retired from the Federal Government in 1996 and worked multiple part time jobs to keep busy. He also served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Karen in the Syracuse area, serving and bringing joy to many others. He loved and supported his children in all their endeavors throughout his life and attended many important events for his children and grandchildren. Working and raising the family took him from Kansas to Alabama to Virginia and finally to New York. Having been born in Massachusetts, he was happy to be back in the northeast and enjoyed regular travel to New England to visit his brother, relatives, dear friends and Harrisville Pond, one of his favorite vacation spots. Dick was preceded in death by his father and his mother. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his brother, Robert; his eight children and their families including many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 20th, from 1-3 p.m. at FARONE & SON Inc Funeral Home, 1500 Park Street. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. To attend the services remotely, please use the link on Dick’s tribute page at www.faroneandsoninc.com to watch the live webcast at 3 p.m.