Richard A Zimmerman

Spent 35 years at Hershey before retiring as CEO, was one of the fathers of the modern Hershey Co., today one of the world's largest – and most successful – chocolate companies. Although he rarely invoked it publicly, Zimmerman's was a respected voice within the community. A decade after he retired, he used that voice to fight against the proposed sale of the Hershey Co. by the Hershey Trust Co. And in 2012, when a decision to demolish the old Hershey factory riled the community, Zimmerman again was a calm voice in the storm. Mr. Zimmerman was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on April 5, 1932, to the late Richard P. and Kathryn (Wilhelm) Zimmerman. He is a graduate of Lebanon High School, class of 1949, and Penn State University, class of 1953, with a B.A. in commerce. He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Pocono operating out of Norfolk, Virginia from 1953-56. After leaving military service, he went to work at the Harrisburg National Bank and Trust Company, now Mellon Bank, as an Assistant Director. He began employment with Hershey Foods Corporation, now The Hershey Company, as an Administrative Assistant in 1958. He served in many capacities for the corporation, including Vice President, President and Chief Operating Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman, from which he retired in 1994. He was a Director/Trustee of the Mead Westvaco Corporation, Eastman Kodak Company, and Penn State University Board of Trustees, and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He also served as Director/Trustee of the Hershey Trust Company, Milton Hershey School - Board of Managers, Dr. Pepper Company, Irving Bank Corporation and Irving Trust Company/The Bank of New York Company, Inc., and Lance Inc.. Mr. Zimmerman is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Nancy Cramer, two daughters, Linda Billmyer of Hummelstown and Jan Tulli (husband Tom) of Millersville, two brothers, Edward (wife Helen) and Peter (wife Joy), both of Chambersburg, five grandchildren, Hillary Marotta (husband Fred), Adrienne Billmyer, Allyson Billmyer, Nicholas Tulli, and Matthew Tulli, two great grandchildren, Ella and Laina Marotta, and several nephews, nieces and cousins. He was pre-deceased by an infant son, Thomas Richard.