Michael Lee Hendershot

Michael Lee Hendershot, 72, of Miromar Lakes, FL, passed peacefully after a long illness on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. He was a respected professional and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Formerly of Louisville, KY, he had been a resident of Miromar Lakes for the last 15 years. Mike, as he was known to his friends, was born November 5, 1944 in Charleston, WV, the son of Albert E. and Mae (Rawlings) Hendershot. Mike put himself through college and law school working as a research chemist and later as a patent agent. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Charleston, where he was President and Chaplain of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Social Fraternity, and a J.D. from Washington College of Law at American University, where he served as President of the Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity. His legal focus on intellectual property and international law took him around the globe to dozens of countries throughout Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa. He spent over twenty years of his career with Brown & Williamson, where he rose to Assistant General Counsel before being named General Manager of BATMark Ltd. in London, England, where he was responsible for all of the company’s intellectual property globally. He is fondly remembered by colleagues for his personality and professional creativity, which led to innovative practices that were ahead of their time and remain in place today. In 2002, Mike and his wife Rose retired to Florida where he could enjoy his passions for golf, swimming, travel, and politics. Even in retirement, he remained active in his community and was elected multiple times to the Board of Supervisors for Lee County representing the Miromar Lakes Community Development District. While a leader throughout his life, he was happiest with family and friends who will all miss him dearly. Mike was predeceased by his brother Albert “Butch” Hendershot. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Rose (Fazio) Hendershot; his beloved children, Kerry (Timothy) Stahl of Montclair, NJ and Michael C. (Melina Patterson) Hendershot of Palo Alto, CA; and three cherished grandchildren, Caelyn Stahl, Kaliope Hendershot, and Caleb Stahl. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held later at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the American Lung Association or the National Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be offered at www.shikanyfuneralhome.com.

Michael Lee Hendershot

November 5, 1944 - May 3, 2017