Matthew Thomas Hanshaw

Matthew Thomas Hanshaw, 53, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022. Matt was born on July 6, 1969, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was adopted into the loving home of Thomas and Gretchen (Zeigler) Hanshaw as an infant. In the words of Tom, “you couldn’t have asked for a more perfect kid.” Matt graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in 1987. He went on to Penn State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1991. He spent most of his adult life as a Certified Financial Planner.

Matt had a passion for athletics and training. As a young man, he enjoyed baseball and had a great talent for ice hockey. Later in life, he found a love for the technological side of fitness. He trained himself to compete in numerous triathlons. Matt was a six-time IronMan finisher.

Matt loved to help others. He served on the board of trustees for the Central PA chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for several years. He tried to counsel those who were struggling whenever the opportunity arose. He often sought positions of leadership and thrived in those places. He spoke in a way that made you trust him. He had a great sense of humor in everything he did.

Matt is preceded in death by his mother, Gretchen (Zeigler) Hanshaw. He is survived by his children, Allie, Katie, and Ryan Hanshaw; his father, Tom Hanshaw; his sister, Nikki (Hanshaw) Rhoades; and his niece, Sadie Rhoades; the mother of his children, Erin (Grubb) Hanshaw; as well as many extended family members and friends who cared for him deeply.

A celebration of life will be held at the Christian Life Assembly of Camp Hill’s Youth Center on Saturday, January 7th (2645 Lisburn Rd, Camp Hill, PA). Visitation hours will be from 10 am to 11 am. A service will be held at 11 am, followed by lunch with family and friends at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Central PA chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Matthew’s memory.

If you or a loved one is considering suicide, please reach out to the National Crisis Hotline at 988. There is always hope.