Brian Clifford Hershberger

Brian Clifford Hershberger, 70, of Hillsborough, NC died just as he envisioned— peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, children and favorite music on April 6th, 2025. Brian had numerous health challenges in the last decade of his life, but he had most recently been diagnosed with liver cancer in February 2025.

Brian was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on April 22, 1954 to Margaret Alberta Snyder/Betz and Percy Hershberger Jr. His early life in Westmont included summers at Bethco Pines, baseball, golf, football, Indian Guides with his father, and cherished adventures with neighborhood friends. Brian graduated Westmont Hilltop High School in 1972. He attended Ashland College on a music scholarship and then studied communication but frankly all manner of subjects that struck his fancy at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown (UPJ). It was there in a creative writing class that he met his first wife, Bonnie Beck. They were married in 1977 and had two children. Brian struggled with substance use disorder in his early life, and with his own determination and the support of his family he reached recovery that changed the course of his and his family’s life in 1985. Brian’s recovery has been a source of hope and gratitude to his children, both of whom pursued careers in the mental health field.  Brian began to build his new life and received his Associates Degree from UPJ in Respiratory Therapy in 1986 and he and his family moved to Durham, North Carolina. Brian worked for Duke University Medical Center as a Respiratory Therapist for nearly 30 years and was known for his early participation in ECMO development, irreverent sense of humor, mentorship to others, friendship with folks across every background and specialty at DUMC, and compassionate dedication to his patients and their families. In 1992, Brian married Elizabeth A. Foshee and their love story is one for the ages—their devotion and radical acceptance of each other remains an inspiration to all of us. They held hands with steady strength and kindness through every one of life’s plot twists.

Brian had unmatched enthusiasm for the things and people that he loved. Brian started golfing with his father when he was young and it remained a passion throughout most of his life. Brian was a natural athlete who loved the outdoors. He played in numerous tournaments and even had a legendary hole in one! Golf trips with his best friends were some of his favorite memories. Later in life, Brian embraced fishing and boating, finding peace out on the water and amassing the world’s most extensive lure collection. Some of our best family memories of the last few years are of Brian teaching his granddaughters to fish and riding in the boat together. Brian was a student of the human experience—he was curious about philosophy and making meaning from experiences. He was always seeking ways to be more present and open hearted, including mindfulness and meditation. Brian nurtured a family culture where we all felt accepted for exactly who we are, and that we would always be given grace for our human imperfections. Music was Brian’s beating heart—he was a very talented musician, singer, storyteller and songwriter. He placed in the North Carolina Songwriter’s Coop Competition and played live all over the Triangle area. He recorded three albums and loved to collect, tinker with, and help others find guitars so that they could enjoy the creative process. Brian was an artist who loved sharing musical expression with others. He encouraged and nurtured the musical interests of his children and loved to share live music events with Beth and his friends.

Brian is survived by his wife, Beth (Hillsborough, NC), his daughter Alyssa M. Ward (Geoffrey Ward, Richmond, VA), his son Neil Hershberger (Fumiko Ladd Chino, Houston, TX), his adoring granddaughters Aubrey Melrose and Taylor Magnolia Ward, his sister Claudia Pierson (John Pierson, Williamsburg, VA), his niece Kristen Pierson (Williamsburg, VA) and his nephew John Pierson Jr. (New York, NY). We know that Brian was joyously reunited and pounced upon by all the beloved dogs that preceded him in death: Puddie Pie, Holly, Katie Mae, Buffy, Barney, Penny, Henna Matzah and Indy.

Brian’s family would like to thank Duke Hospice for their support and guidance that enabled us to fulfill Brian’s wishes of remaining at home through the end of his life.

Brian asked us to share this statement:

Five years ago I walked into the Merritt Marina, and before I knew it the people there became like family and taught me so much about fishing and boating and how important the waterways are for our community. I am so grateful to them and I want to protect the beauty and safety of our lakes and ponds and rivers for generations to come.

In keeping with this sentiment, in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Brian’s name be made to The Eno River Association. Brian performed at the Eno River Festival and spent many happy days hiking and playing in its waters with his family. https://form-renderer-app. donorperfect.io/give/eno- river-association/tributegift

A memorial and celebration of life will be held on May 24th from 4-9pm at New Hope Camp and Conference Center in Hillsborough, NC. This gathering seeks to generate the kind of fellowship and fun that Brian so notoriously facilitated. The celebration will open at 4pm for drinks, snacks and a listening hour of Brian’s music. The memorial ceremony will take place at 5pm and will be followed by dinner, storytelling, a guitar pull and musical guests, and a glorious buffet of Brian’s favorite desserts. All are welcome including kids and families and there will be plenty of space indoors and outdoors for friends to relax. Casual attire and laughter are encouraged but if you show up crying in a tux, we will welcome you as well.