Jay H. Hershowitz

Jay Hershowitz, 74, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025. Jay was born and raised on the East Side of Binghamton and formed lifelong friendships he treasured.

Jay graduated from Binghamton North High and SUNY Binghamton and was a proud veteran of the US Army. He spent his career in Contract Administration- getting ‘paid to argue’ as he often said. He worked for multiple local companies, most notably NYSEG, BAE and EIT and then went on to work as a consultant for many others. He loved his work, and the opportunities for travel it provided, especially a trip to Israel which was especially meaningful to Jay given his Jewish heritage.

Jay was also proud to have been elected as a School Board Member for the Binghamton City School District (5 year elected term) where he acted as the Board Representative for Teacher’s Contract Negotiations.

Jay enjoyed traveling with his wife Patti, playing fast pitch and softball, golfing with his buddies, and sharing a beer or two at one of his favorite hangouts. On his vacations, he was a true thrill seeker, parasailing, zip-lining and four-wheeling off road in St. Croix. At home, he was happiest sitting on his deck with friends and family sharing memories and listening to his favorite soul music while enjoying a cold beer and watching his dogs play in their yard.

But Jay’s true passion was his family. He was the most incredible husband, father, Papa and “Doggie Daddy” anyone could ever be. He was not just a father to his sons but also a mentor and friend.  He was proud of the men they grew up to be. Jay reveled in time spent with his beloved grandchildren Owen and Ryan.  

The family would like to thank his cousin Howard Zendle and friends Mike Pratt and Tom Murphy who offered their love and support through the last few challenging years as Jay fought cancer, allowing him to continue to do the things he loved despite the limitations his illness presented.

Jay is predeceased by his parents, Bob and Dot Hershowitz and his sister Gale, Jay is survived by his wife Patti, his sons Nathan and Jeremy, their mother Jeanette Hershowitz, grandsons Owen and Ryan, in-laws Eileen and Steve Salinsky and their children, many cousins and nieces and nephews and far too many friends to try to mention. He was well and deservedly loved.

The family will receive friends at Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, 137 Robinson Street, Binghamton NY 13904 February 22nd from 11am-1pm, followed by Military Honors and a brief service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation in Jay’s memory to a charity that supports animals, Veterans or cancer research.

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