Robert George Herel

Robert George Herel, 93, of Centerbrook, CT, passed away peacefully on January 20th, 2026, with his loved ones by his side. Born on January 7th, 1933 to the late Rudolph Herel and Miriam Gear Herel, Bob was raised in Essex, CT, where he remained a nearly lifelong resident. He attended Pratt High School in Essex, and was in the very first graduating class from Valley Regional High School in Deep River. He met the love of his life, Mary Louise Appell, at his sister’s wedding, where he was a groomsman and she was a bridesmaid. They married in July of 1961, and were blessed with 62 years of marriage.

Bob was a good, generous, and honest man, whose quiet demeanor belied his tremendous heart. After attending Norwich University in Vermont, he chose to serve his country, beginning at Sampson Air Force Base in New York, where he aspired to become a pilot. Although he later learned he did not have the necessary depth perception, Robert never gave up; he instead became a brilliant aircraft mechanic and machinist, and went on to work for Pratt & Whitney, Essex Engineering, and GBR.

Bob’s dedication to service did not end with his country. He served his community, acting as a Boy Scout leader for close to 40 years, and marching as part of the Sailing Masters of 1812 for just as long. He served his faith, stepping in as pastor of the Centerbrook Congregational Church and serving voluntarily for two decades, during which he had the privilege of performing countless weddings and baptisms, including for his own nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Most of all, he served his family and friends, opening his home and giving anything he could to those in need. Bob worked well past retirement to ensure he could support those he loved, including his wife, whom he cared for throughout her long battle with cancer, even as he faced his own health challenges.

Bob was well-known for his impish grin, and his distinctive cowboy hats and boots, which he almost never left the house without. In his free time, he was an avid stamp and coin collector, and acted as the family cribbage champion, patiently teaching anyone who was willing to learn.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marylou Herel. He is survived by his sisters, Jean Reeves of Plainfield, CT, and Lucie Mondani of Palm Harbor, FL; his children, Heath Herel and his wife, Julie, of Niantic, CT, and Linda Herel Tanabe and her husband, Kan, of Deep River, CT; his pride and joy, his grandchildren William and Collyn Herel and Hana and Emma Tanabe; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Centerbrook Meetinghouse on March 28 at 11:00am. Bob’s grateful family would like to thank the caregivers at VITAS, Aaron Manor, and Gladeview Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for their kindness and compassion, making his last months as happy and comfortable as possible.