P. Gary Herting

P. Gary Herting, 79, of Camp Hill, PA, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with loved ones by his side. He was the son of the late Philip E. and Rosa M. (Pumarejo) Herting, born on March 27, 1947, in Tampa, FL.

Whether you knew him as Gary, Coach, Philip, or simply “PG,” you likely remember the way he made those around him feel valued. He had a rare gift for connecting with people—asking thoughtful questions, truly listening, and remembering the details that mattered. And if Gary gave you a nickname, you knew you had earned a special place in his life.

A proud graduate of John Harris High School, Class of 1965, Gary was part of the school’s legendary “Decade of Champions” football era. His love for sports, particularly college football, would remain a lifelong passion. He went on to attend University of Tennessee, where he played football and later coached while earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Gary began his professional life teaching math and history and coaching football and track in Tennessee. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year during his time at Tullahoma High School before eventually transitioning into the insurance and financial services profession. Over the years, he held positions with PA Financial Group and AXA Advisors, while ascending to the position of managing partner with both New York Life and Mass Mutual. He spent decades recruiting, mentoring, and developing professionals throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, earning widespread respect within the industry for both his results and his character.

He deeply appreciated his employees and colleagues, always striving to encourage them, recognize their efforts, and help them believe in themselves. Fittingly, he never stopped being a “coach,” with former employees recalling many stories to that effect. He was a man of integrity, and he was passionate and intense in all facets of life. Gary believed character mattered most and carried himself accordingly throughout his life and career.

Outside of work, Gary found happiness at the beach—especially in Avalon, where he cherished mornings biking to Stone Harbor and back, often stopping for sticky buns along the way. He loved 6AM pickup basketball games with Ryan on the 8th Street courts, and he rarely passed up an opportunity to enjoy meals at Busch’s in Sea Isle City or the Sea Grille in Avalon. He also believed strongly in physical fitness, maintaining an active lifestyle through running and daily workouts. The friendships he formed at the East Shore YMCA became an important part of his life over the years.

Gary’s Christian faith and Lutheran upbringing quietly guided the way he treated others. He genuinely cared about people and carried himself with kindness, authenticity, and humor. Coach believed in giving back to his community and devoted countless hours to civic and charitable initiatives through the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the American Heart Walk, and local chambers of commerce (to name a few).

Above all, Gary was a devoted family man. He lovingly cared for his mother until her passing at the remarkable age of 104, and he was immensely proud of his son, Ryan, and all he accomplished. He embraced fatherhood with dedication and pride. In the final chapter of his life, Gary found great joy and gratitude in the life he enjoyed with Trudy and the family he so happily inherited. He often spoke about how blessed he felt to be part of their lives.

Gary lived with purpose, energy, and heart. He pushed people to be better because he believed in them, and he left lasting impressions everywhere he went.

Surviving Gary is his son, Ryan Herting of Philadelphia; his beloved companion and caretaker, Trudy Saraiva of Camp Hill; a niece and three nephews; and an extended family he inherited through Trudy—her children, Chase and Taylor Saraiva, as well as their spouses and children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two siblings and their spouses, Philip “Earl” and Rita Herting, and Margaret “Peggy” (Herting) Smyser and Harry Smyser.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1PM on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in the banquet room at Duke's Riverside Bar & Grille, 313 S. Front Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043. Inurnment will be private and held at a later date in East Harrisburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Gary’s name to Vickie's Angel Foundation.