Cody C. Hershey

Cody Carl Hershey, 32, of Lakemore, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 12:18 a.m. at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital after an eight-year battle with cancer.

Cody was born on July 28, 1993, in Akron, Ohio, to Albert and Darla Hershey. Born at just 26 weeks' gestation and weighing only 2.7 pounds, he was not expected to survive his first day. Yet after being rushed to the NICU at Akron Children's Hospital, Cody defied those odds and blessed his family and friends with nearly 33 remarkable years. From the day he entered this world, Cody taught us that life is measured not by the odds against us, but by the love we give and receive along the way. His life was a testament to his own tenacity and resilience, matched only by the unwavering determination of his family, especially a mother and father who never accepted the words "no" or "can't" where their son was concerned, and by the extraordinary physicians, nurses, and therapists whose skill and dedication helped him thrive.

Cody graduated from Springfield High School in 2011 before earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology from Stark State College. He worked in the IT field with Great Day Improvements until his illness forced him into an early retirement.

More than anything, Cody treasured spending time with the people he loved. He enjoyed playing video games with friends, writing and creating music, and exploring the world around him. Whether visiting a new city or simply spending the day close to home, he was always eager to discover a new museum or wander through a park. Cody was a gentle soul whose kindness, curiosity, warmth, and quiet light touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Cody was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Susan Hershey and Gene and Joan Askew.

He is survived by his loving parents, Albert and Darla Hershey of Lakemore, Ohio; his sister, Olivia (Nathan) Hershey, of Boston, Massachusetts; his aunts Ann Uplinger of Akron and Madeline Blacklock of Akron; his cousins Christina Blacklock, Anthony Wilfong, Tommy (Jessica) Uplinger, and Timothy Uplinger; and many other beloved relatives.

The family would also like to recognize Cody’s lifelong friends, Ben Shriver, Brian Kiser, and Laura and Nate Fey. Your friendship, loyalty, and love meant the world to Cody, and our gratitude for the kindness and love you showed him throughout his life is beyond words.

Cody’s remains will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11th, 2026 at the Freda Hunter Bates Pavilion at Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Rd, Green, Ohio 44720.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Knotty Nurses Program, a comfort care ministry founded by ICU nurse Brandy Beresh at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. Through this program, handmade comfort blankets are lovingly placed over patients as they transition from this life, offering warmth, dignity, and compassion during their final moments. Donations may be made through Brandy’s PayPal at https://paypal.me/brandyberesh. Please make note that your donation is made in memory of Cody Hershey. Cash donations will also be accepted at the Celebration of Life.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Cody’s physicians, nurses, and every member of the staff at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital for the extraordinary care and compassion shown to Cody and those who loved him. They also wish to thank the human resources departments, owners, managers, and coworkers at both Cody’s former employer, Great Day Improvements, and their own employers for the abundant understanding and support they provided throughout this difficult journey.