Herbert George Herbst

1926 - 2017

Herbert George Herbst

AGE: 90 • Ocean Grove

Herbert George Herbst was born in Jersey City, NJ July 19, 1926 of Marie and August Herbst, and passed away on June 5th, 2017 age 90. Herbert joined the Army Air Corp during WWII. After his enlistment he started working as a draftsman and eventually became district manager at New York Telephone, and retired from Verizon after nearly 40 years in 1985. Herbert married Norma Elizabeth Koehne on June 6, 1953 in Jersey City, NJ. The family moved from Jersey City, NJ to Floral Park, NY in 1957. In Floral Park Herbert attended Christ Lutheran Evangelical Church, was a loyal member of the Masonic Lodge. He was also a board member and president of both the Floral Park-Bellerose Elementary and Sewanhaka Central High School Districts for 25 years. In 1991 Herbert and Norma moved to Ocean Grove, NJ. Herbert's community service continued after moving to Ocean Grove. Herbert served as an officer, President and then Secretary Treasurer for the Ocean Grove Fishing Club. He also was the President of the Ocean Grove Homeowner's Association for eight years. In 1995 Herbert created the Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society, Inc. and took title to the Old Neptune High School in 1997. He and volunteers transformed the "old" Neptune High School into the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Over the past 20 years Herbert was the commander and chief until his death. Herbert was predeceased by his parents, Marie and August Herbst; his siblings Martha and August Zybas, and Edward and Frederic Herbst. Herbert is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma; his daughters Melinda Kelley, and Janet Rothstein and her husband Stephen; his grandchildren Brendan Kelley and his wife Paige, Caitlin Kelley, Ian Kelley, and David Rothstein. He is also survived by the residents of the Jersey Shore Arts Center who served as important, loving, and supportive family members for Herbert and his family. A celebration of Herbie's life will take place on June 18th at 1:00 pm in the Joseph A. Palaia Theater at the Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family requests that large donations are made to the Jersey Shore Arts Center, (as per Herbie). The Ocean Grove Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.