Todd Christopher (Shank) Hough, 40, of Mechanicsburg, died at his home on Sunday, January 25, 2015, from metastatic melanoma. He was born on February 26, 1974, in Carlisle, a son of Gregory C. and Artra R. (Kerns) Hough of Mechanicsburg.

Todd was a 1992 graduate of Boiling Springs High School, Boiling Springs, PA, where he was actively involved in outdoor and indoor soccer, and various extracurricular clubs. Following high school, Todd married Kimberly on July 3, 1992. In January 1993, Todd enlisted into the United States Army, where he was trained at the Defense Institute of Language, Monterey, CA, learning Russian. He completed his training as an Interrogator (97E1L) at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, and was recognized as a member of the Military Intelligence Corps. Todd was then stationed at Fort Gordon, GA, during which time he served a tour as a member of the Defense Attache's Office, United States Embassy, Cairo, Egypt. Following his honorable discharge, in 1997, Todd enrolled into Penn State University Capital Campus, Harrisburg, PA, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Public Policy in 1999, earning the Kenneth P. Masters Prize in Public Policy for academic excellence. Upon graduating from PSU, Todd enrolled into Dickinson School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor in 2002, and was subsequently admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar, sponsored by his brother-in-law, Thomas S. Diehl, Esq. Todd was employed as an attorney with the law firm, Cipriani & Werner, P.C.

Todd's interests and hobbies were many and varied. He rooted relentlessly for the Pittsburgh Penguins, was a fan of the English Premiere League, supporting Chelsea, cheered for Michigan Wolverines football, and backed the Atlanta Braves. He was an avid reader, and for several years was a board member of the Amelia Given Library. His true happiness came from spending time with his wife and his three children, and his pug, Fasnacht. He loved gathering with his group of gaming friends, who met monthly for RPG and board gaming sessions. He loved watching his daughter, Ava, play softball. He endured, with great joy, being unmercifully beaten by his daughter, Lily, at card games. He thoroughly enjoyed rockhounding, fishing, and boating with his son, Eli. Todd was kind, mindful, and incredibly competitive, in the friendliest of ways. He enjoyed running, cycling, and hiking. And donuts. He listened to Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper, Dispatch--pretty much any jam band. He was a loving, attentive father, a most cherished husband, a caring son, a compassionate friend, a conscientious attorney, and the kindest of human beings. He subscribed to the Buddhist philosophy, and left this world entirely too soon, but with the peace and comfort in knowing he was leaving behind an honorable legacy, and had lived a reputable, meaningful, loving life. He will be missed beyond measure.

The family would expressly like to acknowledge and extend our deepest gratitude to Todd's firm, Cipriani & Werner, P.C., who provided immeasurable support and compassion to our family throughout the duration of Todd's illness. The family would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Andrews & Patel, especially Dr. Kathryn Peroutka, who provided exceptional care and comfort, always.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kimberly L. (Diehl) Hough; three children, Elias A., Ava L. and Lily G. Hough, all at home; maternal grandmother, June A. (Foose-Kerns) Roberts of Carlisle; two brothers, Brian G. Hough (and his wife, Jackie Schnurr) of Moravia, NY, and James T. Hough of Camp Hill; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert L. and Kathie J. Diehl of Mt. Holly Springs; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Thomas S. and Dana L. Diehl of Columbus, OH; his two step-sisters-in-law, Angel Bagwell of Saxton, and Florena Baer of Mt. Holley, NY; three nieces, Chloe E. Diehl, Taylor M. Hough, and Constance J. Bagwell; and seven nephews, Aidan T. Diehl, Benjamin P. Hough, Aaron J. Hough, Andrew M. Lash, Zachary A. Gohn, Karson M. Jamison, and Kaplyn J. Jamison. His aunt, Crystal A. Kerns of Carlisle, and cousin, Rob L. Miller (and his wife, Donna and family) of Carlisle; as well as many beloved extended family members. Todd was predeceased by his biological father, Michael B. Shank.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Rev. Christopher Cecil officiating. A visitation will be from 1 - 2 p.m. at the funeral home. The family kindly requests no flowers. Following the service, Todd's firm, Cipriani & Werner, P.C., will be hosting a reception. Details will be announced at the service. Memorial contributions may be made to "Hope for Heaven" at any Member's First FCU branch.