Kenneth C. Herdman

Kenneth C. Herdman, 84, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, passed away on April 22, 2026, at UPMC Carlisle. During his 84 years, he touched countless lives with his wisdom, humor, and unwavering spirit of perseverance. 

Born on October 11, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Wysocki) Herdman. He graduated from Ferris High School in Jersey City and joined the United States Marine Corps in September 1959. During his service, Ken discovered his love of drawing. After leaving the Marines, he continued his education at Jersey City State College and then Pratt Institute, earning a Bachelor’s and a Master's degree in Art Education. Driven by an endless thirst for knowledge, Ken was a lifelong learner and devoted teacher.

Ken taught elementary school art at Cleveland School in Englewood, New Jersey, for 28 years. In 1980, he was honored as New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. Even after retirement from public school, his passion for teaching continued as he taught photography at The Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest, New Jersey. He believed every child could learn art, regardless of age, and that artistic skills should be taught with the same importance as reading and writing. Through his encouragement and dedication, generations of students discovered creativity and learned confidence in themselves. 

Beyond teaching, Ken was the ultimate family man. His wife of 63 years and his children always came first. When his four granddaughters were born, his heart grew even larger. His cousins, nieces and nephews were also loved endlessly and held special places in his life. Ken had a deep appreciation for cooking, food, wine, and Scotch, as well as fishing, yoga, tai chi and his dog, Bella. He maintained an extensive collection of folders containing recipes, newspaper clippings, and articles, all carefully organized and readily available for any conversation. He always made time for his children, whether cheering from the sidelines at sporting events or teaching them to fish on trips to the Ramapo River and Oradell Reservoir. He later shared these same passions with his granddaughters, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Frances Herdman; his children, Mary Herdman (Adam) and Matthew Herdman (Beth); and his smart and gorgeous granddaughters, Emma Grace, Anna Sofia, Faith Anne, and Rebecca Charlotte—who were, of course, all his favorites. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roy Herdman, and his sister, Janice Anne Kosciuch. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Damascus United Methodist Church, 9700 New Church Street, Damascus, Maryland 20872. A reception will immediately follow at the church. 

A second, smaller service for friends who cannot attend the Maryland service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish Shrine Church, 152 East Pomfret Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013. 

In lieu of flowers Ken and the family would love donations to either The Parkinson’s Foundation The Parkinson's Foundation or Trout Unlimited TU Donate - tudonatetribute.