Dennis (G.) Hersh

Dennis Hersh, prominent Hartford attorney, passed away Wednesday morning, April 29, at the age of 69, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Dennis loved life and embraced it to the fullest. He touched many with his kindness and vibrant sense of humor. He was also a zealous advocate who defended the rights of others with passion and dedication. Dennis had a huge heart and was a generous contributor to many charitable causes, often touching the lives of others anonymously.

Dennis was a lifelong resident of West Hartford. After graduating from the University Of Connecticut School Of Law in 1971, he began his career working at Neighborhood Legal Services. He then associated with the highly respected law offices of James N. Egan, before opening his own successful private practice. He was active in the community and served on the West Hartford Housing Authority and as an instructor at Manchester Community College. Dennis also served as a small claims court commissioner and Justice of the Peace.

Dennis loved spending time at the Connecticut shore with his family and friends and for a number of years served as the President of the Stannard Beach Association. He loved new experiences and had the good fortune to travel around the world with his wife Debbie and their regular travel companions, as well as family. Dennis was an avid sports fan, and with his beloved son Austin attended baseball games around the country. But nothing made him happier than to visit Fenway Park with Austin and friends to see the Red Sox, his favorite team. In addition, he enjoyed theater, movies and fine dining. It was not unusual to see Dennis around West Hartford Center by day walking his Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and, in the evening, dining with friends in his favorite restaurants. An active man with incredible energy, Dennis had many varied interests – from keeping up with the latest rock bands, being the epitome of fashion and having an enviable car collection, to his disciplined daily workout regime. Above all, he valued time with family and friends and was the driving force in getting together regularly with those he loved.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Debbie and son Austin, their faithful dog, Abby, his mother-in-law Ann Aust, his brother David and wife Roxanne, his brother in-law John Fannon, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law William and Mary Lee Aust, Richard and Kandyce Aust as well as his nieces and nephews Lauren and Ryan Fannon, Justin and Jared Hersh, William Aust III and Kevin Aust. He was loved by many first and second cousins and close friends. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Lottie (Kriwitzky) Hersh, and his sister, Gail Hersh Fannon.

The funeral will be held Sunday, May 3 at 1:00 pm at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford with internment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, 200 Whitman Avenue in West Hartford. A reception to celebrate Dennis’ life will be held following the burial at Congregation Beth Israel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer G.I. Research, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445 or the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.