Richard Alvin Hendershot

Richard A. "Shot" Hendershot, 83, of La Palma, CA passed away on Sunday November 1, 2020. Richard was born in Newton, NJ to the late Raymond V. Hendershot and Eleanor E. Wilson. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard S. Hendershot, his brother, Donald Hendershot and his stepmother, Cecelia Hendershot. He is survived by his beloved wife Ilse Hendershot, his daughters, Charlene Olsen and Dawn Gomez, his grandchildren, Kasey, Karis, Chelsea, Samuel, Richard and Winifred and his great-grandchildren, Hayden and Quintin. His nephews Mike and Bobby Hendershot. His sister-in-law Janette Hendershot and family members Beth Hendershot and Ethan Hendershot. His stepchildren, William Highley, Teresa Florian, and Rebecca May, along with 4 step grandchildren and 5 step great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his furry "son" Fernando who misses him dearly.

Richard grew up on Rockport Road in Hackettstown in a house built by his grandfather Walter Wilson and his wife Eliza. He and his brother Don hunted, farmed and milked cows as youngsters. Richard was quite the athlete in high school. He was on the varsity track team and varsity football team. He even made All Statewide Receiver his senior year. As adults, they all spent time there hunting, racing and hanging out in the garage. He loved being there with a hot fire, cold beer and his family and friends.

Richard was first married in 1956. After the birth of their first daughter, Charlene, they moved to Downey, CA in 1960. They went on to have 2 more children, Dickie and Dawn. Richard spent 3 years in the Navy traveling all over and seeing many different countries. He attended the police academy shortly after and was a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff for 23 years.

In 1981, Richard met the love of his life, Ilse. They were married on February 20, 1987. They shared a love of bluegrass music and spent many weekends traveling to bluegrass festivals where they were able to meet and get to know some of his favorite bluegrass musicians. Richard was an avid runner and he would enter marathons on the weekends and Ilse would be there to cheer him on. He would also enjoy traveling with his wife to Hackettstown for hunting season each December. He loved the Dodgers and was thrilled to see them win the World Series this year. He enjoyed walks in the park with his wife while stopping to feed the ducks. Spending time with family was one of their weekly outings. Richard and Ilse were inseparable and being with their children and grandchildren was one of their favorite times.

Sunday mornings were a special time for Richard and his daughters and grandchildren, who all love him more than words can say. He would visit and keep them all laughing with his stories of growing up in Hackettstown and stories of being a deputy sheriff and his views on current events. His love of bluegrass was shared with all his family and will surely be passed on to future generations. We were blessed to have him as our family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.