Herbert James York

1933 - 2021

Herbert James York, 87, of Bristol passed away quietly at home while surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Herb was born in Waterville, ME on December 26, 1933. Immediately after graduating from Thornton Academy in Saco, ME, he joined the U.S. Air Force and participated during the Korean Conflict being honorably discharged in 1956. He met the love of his life, Grace (Case) York in Brookline, MA and they married on October 19, 1956. His hard work ethic led him to various jobs including working as a milkman and in newspaper distribution until he proudly purchased and operated Avenue News Shoppe in Bristol from 1978 to 1994. He then moved to Mesa, AZ, later returning to Connecticut to be near his family. In addition to his wife, Herb leaves behind his four loving children: Norma Burns and her husband Jeff, Leslie Kende, Jeff York and his wife Laurel, and Sherry Tilsch and her husband Roy. He also leaves behind grandchildren Jackie Burns, Joe Burns and his wife Lauren, Nicole Kende and her partner Rich Paskowski, Rebecca Kende, Justin and Jessica MacDougall, Benjamin York, and Zachary Tilsch. He also leaves behind great grandson Joseph Paskowski. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 between 5:00 and 7:00 pm at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave, Forestville/Bristol. Following calling hours, a celebration of Herb's life will begin at 7:00 pm. A private burial will be held the following day for immediate family only at Evergreen Cemetery in Avon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 280285, East Hartford, CT 06108. To leave an online message of condolence, or to share a memory or photo, please visit Herb's tribute page at OBrien-FuneralHome.com. The calling hours and celebration of life will be livestreamed by using the link found on his O'Brien tribute page below his obituary.