Hubert "Ted" Hersey

Hubert "Ted" Hersey of 291 Compton View Drive, Middletown, RI passed away peacefully at age 86 Saturday Jan 9, 2016 at Newport Hospital surrounded by family. Ted rose from his humble beginnings on a family farm in rural Maine to become the only one of his 6 siblings to even complete a high school education. Against the most unlikely of odds, he eventually earned his degree from Maine as well as Master's degrees from both Harvard and RPI, and reached the pinnacle of the high school teaching profession.Ted taught Physics and Science for 49 years at St. George's School in Newport, the longest tenure for a faculty member in the school's history. He was an avid life-long runner who competed at a collegiate level and went on to successfully coach track and cross-country teams for over 50 years. Ted's engaging, enthusiastic, witty, and innovative style inspired the lives of thousands of students through his teaching and coaching. Ted was the recipient of a number of major awards for the teaching profession, including the Presidential Award for Teaching from President Bush in 1992. In 1995 he became the first private school educator to receive the Milken Prize, and was inducted into the RI Heritage Hall of Fame in 1998 for his life-long academic achievements. Ted's innovative and engaging teaching style made extensive use of games, toys, stories, and practical reasoning as a way to motivate and interest his students. His work led to him travelling on State Department sponsored educational missions abroad to Russia, Germany, and Canada.His shared his love of running through his coaching of boys and girls cross country and track at Saint George's and Middletown for over 50 years. He was passionate about achieving one's own personal best irrespective of ability, as the true path to individual fulfillment. A talented runner himself, he competed on Maine's Division I teams and continued competitive running for much of his life, including 12 consecutive Boston Marathons. He coached a number of teams to undefeated seasons and New England Championships.Ted was married to his wife Shirley for a remarkable 62 years. Other survivors include sons Howard Hersey of Newfields, NH, David Hersey and his wife Uli of Hollis, NH, and 5 grandchildren. Ted was predeceased by his daughter Sheryl Hersey Love. Cards and memories may be sent to Shirley Hersey, 291 Compton View Dr, Middletown, RI 02842.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fischer Center for Alzheimer's Research Corporation, 110 East 42nd Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (https://www.alzinfo.org/donate) or United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842. A celebration of Ted Hersey's life will be held this Saturday, January 16 at 11 am, at United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, RI.