Henry B. Hershel

Henry B. Herschel, 71, known as Hank to his loved ones, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2013. Henry was born on February 20, 1942 in Koln, Germany to Max and Gertrude Krutsch Herschel as Heinz Bernd. Henry and his parents immigrated to the United States in 1952 through Ellis Island. They lived in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Henry graduated from Rider College in Lawrenceville, NJ. Henry moved to Toledo in 1964 to enroll in the first day classes at the University of Toledo College of Law. To his surprise, he was accepted into the program. He received his Juris Doctorate in 1967. After graduating from Law School, Henry taught German and Political Science classes at Mary Manse College, and joined the Lucas County Public Defenders office, where he later became Chief Public Defender. Henry is believed to be the longest standing chief public defender in the United States. He leaves a legacy of compassion. He spent his career advocating for the rights of the accused, a class of citizens that most overlook. He loved and protected those he employed, and there are many untold acts of kindness that he bestowed on others. Henry practiced law in the Spitzer building beginning with Anderson, Holder, Herschel and Barkenquist for many years, and then with Green Lackey before he and long-time partner, Paul Accettola, began practicing together. They moved their firm to Adams street in the late 1980s. He was known for his courtroom presence and Legal Prowess, which may have also included eye rolling, talking with his hands and stating the obvious. Henry was President of the Toledo Bar Association 1987-1988 and received the Order of the Heel award from the Junior Bar. Henry loved supporting the Toledo Rockets. At one time he even owned blue and gold cars. He served as Treasurer and President of the Alumni Association and President of the Foundation Board. In 1997 he was honored to receive the Blue T award. He was a dedicated father who participated in class trips and never missed a single sporting event, play or dreaded dance recital. His devotion continued at grandchildrens soccer games, school events and checkers matches. His real love was his log cabin in Saugatuck Michigan where many treasured memories were made. In addition to his important work and family time, Henry enjoyed his treasured friendships. He played in the same Tuesday/Thursday tennis league for many years. It is unknown if he played for the exercise or the coffee and bagels, but he loved it nonetheless. Henry also spent many hours in deep contemplation at the round table with the Toledo Club Clusterfers. Many of the worlds problems were solved under his watch. Henry was a loving and devoted husband for 40 years to Pamela Sue Anderson Herschel; obnoxiously proud father of Meredith David Hustwick and Craig Michael Herschel Melanie Weinberg; beloved Opa to Madeline, Hadley and Lucy Hustwick; brother of Michael Lea Herschel. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 12th from 2 to 8 pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., west of Corey Rd. . Prayers will be at the funeral home at 10:15 am on Friday, December 13th, followed by Mass at 11am at The Historic Church of St. Patrick, 130 Avondale Ave, Toledo, OH. In honor of his devotion to others, the family asks that you perform a random act of kindness this holiday season in Henrys memory. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.