HERB HORTMAN
1957 - 2015
HERB HORTMAN
1957 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1957
DIED
2015
HERB HORTMAN Obituary
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Phyllis Bialor
May 14, 2025
always a pleasure to be in his company
Rick Palio
March 18, 2025
Good bye my friend. First met Herbie when I was a student at 3M airport. Reunited at Quakertown A&P school. We lost a good one.
Jorge Gomez
May 14, 2024
I was an international student at Hortman Aviation Services in 2010. Herb was always attentive to everything I needed during my process of validating my FAA license. His departure hurts me and I hope he is comforting his family from heaven.
Malcolm Mckinnon
June 23, 2020
My daughter, a recently minted doctor just expressed to me her desire to get her pilots license here in Princeton, NJ. I told her that a controlled field like PNE was the way to go and now discover that Herb is no longer with us. What a loss!
Hortman Aviation at PNE was a gem of an FBO and Herb infused the operation with his high standards for producing safe and proficient pilots!
A great human being! Look forward to seeing him on the other side.
Malcolm McKinnon
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phyllis bialor
May 14, 2019
He will always be remembered fondly by me
Phyllis
Jorge Gomez
March 30, 2016
Amigo!!! God and His Angels now are full of happiness because you are up there. Here on earth you were a master a gentleman and nice with everyone. For me as Foreing student of Hortman Aviation, the experience o flying there was the best. Big hug to all the Hortman Family
September 26, 2015
ADIOS Herbie. Fly With God. Your Friends Rusty and My Beautiful Wife Lucy .
kevin perry
July 25, 2015
I just heard the sad news a week ago. I did all of my instrument rating training at Hortman Aviation in 2008. I always enjoyed chatting with Herb. He was very helpful and willing to assist me with getting my funds from the VA dispersed. His airline experience that he shared with me was also very inspiring for me to become a professional pilot.
David Ronan
July 6, 2015
Maggie, the kids, and family,
I met Herb just 3 years ago when I came to secure my Private Pilot's certificate. I lived in Mt. Laurel, NJ then. Herb reached out, listened, and fit me with the right instructor. I appreciated his gracious consideration to me, an "older" student. I would later discover that Herb and I could have been in the same high school class! I completed my training and passed my PPL check-ride on the first attempt. I attribute my success to Herb's commitment to my skills development. I will be forever grateful for his professional excellence and personal approach. Every time I entered the Hortman Aviation office, it seemed that someone "knew my name." Herb did always! He never forgot. I so appreciated that.
I last flew out of PNE this Spring with one of Herb's planes as I always do. Herb and I last spoke in March. I moved from NJ to AL with the Air Force in April. I called the office other day. I was coming to town, so I decided to fly again out of Hortman and see Herb. When I phoned to reserve another plane, I heard his voice message. After multiple attempts over a few days, I sadly discovered most that Herb had passed. Strangely, I called again just to hear his message.
I think we find ourselves grieving not only for us who knew and loved and miss Herb, but especially for you and the kids. Our loss hurts, but we know your pain is far deeper. Thank you for sharing your wonderful husband and your children's father with us. Our lives are richer and fuller because of Herb.
Humbly and gratefully,
Dave Ronan
July 3, 2015
OMG. I just saw the news of Herbs passing now. Herb and I both worked for his mom at 3M Airport as instructors and Charter Pilots in 1981.
Some nights, we flew automotive parts together from EWR to various airports in Michigan, mostly Lansing as I recall and Toronto, sometimes daringly through all sorts of weather and long preceding work days as instructors. I also worked with him later flying Investors Daily Newspapers and specimens for Smith Kline; over-night runs at of PNE. I remember the route in the Navajo.. PNE-PHL-EWR-BOS-HFD and back to PNE. Herb allowed me to bring my weekend ground school seminar company to his school to prepare his students for written exams, a big help in getting my business of the ground. Herb and I shared a lot of crazy but fun experiences in our 20's. I still share some of our adventures with friends today. Prior to my moving to CA, I stopped by to see him at PNE about 2 years ago. We were going to meet for some brews and so forth and we're looking forward to it. I didn't get to follow through and was going to call him here in Philly to do it to it after his work for like a happy hour. I looked him up and saw the Obit with great shock and sadness. I am sooo sorry. My warmest wishes go out to his family. He told me about his wife and kids but I never got to meet them. Also a very big loss to the aviation community and to his circle of friends and acquaintances.
June 27, 2015
I've known Herb since 1993, worked with him and for him many times on and off. I never met anyone more knowledgeable in aviation but more so, a great guy and friend to many. He has changed, helped and supported countless many. Miss you Herb. Wishing everyone who had a Hortman experience prayers. Best wishes to Maggie, Megan & Herbie.
June 2, 2015
I knew Herb since I was 5 YO and my father flew with his mother for years. Shocking loss to everyone who knew him
Bob Agster
May 31, 2015
I am the safe pilot I am today because of Herbs influence.
A tremendous loss he will be missed
Richard Feld
May 29, 2015
I have know Herb for more years I care to count and I will really miss him though it has been many years since my general aviation days.
My favorite anecdote was one time when multi training with Herb we were on short final for 24 when we heard Beasley from his P51 say to the tower that he wanted that light twin in front of him to land and clear the runway asap. Herb keyed the mike and announced, "I own this runway and will clear it when I choose to". Herb then instructed me to not take the first turn-off.
Best to Maggie and the kids.
Richard Feld
Madeleine Jones
May 26, 2015
EACH LIFE IS PRECIOUS! HERBBIE WAS GIVEN MANY TALENTS AND HE SHARED THEM WELL!
MAY GOD'S ANGELS SURROUND EACH OF YOU AS YOU CONTINUE TO MOURN AND TO CELEBRATE HERBBIE'S LFE!
Madeleine Jones (Greg's sister)
Madeleine Jones
May 26, 2015
HELLO: EACH LIFE IS PRECIOUS! HERBBIE WAS GIVEN MANY TALENTS AND HE SHARED THEM WELL WITH OTHERS.
MAY GOD'S ANGELS BE WITH EACH OF YOU AS YOU CONTINUE TO MOURN AND TO CELEBRATE HERB'S LIFE!
madeleine (greg's sister)
Don Scott
May 26, 2015
Herb was a gentleman who always had the time to help you with a few kind words of wisdom and encouragement. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hortman family.
marcy dahl
May 26, 2015
My deepest condolences to Maggie , your children and to Herb's entire family. I am so sad to hear the news of his passing. I have worked with her Herb at PE and Continental many years and have so enjoyed his company, his brilliant smile and his positive energy .......I can still hear his voice now jokingly calling me Marcy Darcy..he made everyone feel special. He spoke about his love for his beautiful family to those of us at work. G-d bless you all
Karl Frerking
May 25, 2015
Herb I didn't get a chance to circle back and tell you that you helped me immensely to achieve my next career goal as an airline pilot. Delta hired me late Apr and I will be a FO on the new 737-900s. Add another to your impressive record of achievements and legendary air service.
My thoughts are with your family. Will miss you my friend...but I'm sure we'll meet up again in the next Wild Blue.
Frank Hudman
May 23, 2015
I am saddened by Herbs passing. I had the pleasure to pass idle talk with him several weeks ago. He was a great man in our aviation community. I will miss his knowledge and friendship. Calm seas and fair winds my friend.
Walter Stepek
May 23, 2015
I knew Herb only as a customer of Hortman Aviation, but whenever I would see him there, he wouldn't hesitate to stop to talk and exchange pleasantries. Always a gentleman, I found him to be honest and fair in his dealings, and I came to think of him more as a friend than a service provider. I will miss him, and I offer my deepest condolences to all his family.
Bill Tarpey
May 23, 2015
Shocked to hear of Herbs passing, and my sincere sympathy to Maggie, their children, and the entire family.
I'm fortunate to fly for a living now, and I certainly wouldn't be where I am now without Herbs help and guidance.
Thank you Herb, and Bon voyage.!
Bill Tarpey
Lisa Campbell & Dave Mathiesen
May 22, 2015
Dear Maggie and Family,
The Air-Mods Crew is deeply saddened that a fellow flight school family is mourning. Herb's wisdom, talents and passion will thrive in every aviator he touched. Maggie, I have been where you are sitting with young children also, please take notice that so many people are thinking of you and so many by your side. With Sympathy, Lisa
Greg Nowakowski
May 22, 2015
We were deeply saddened and shocked by the news. Herb was an inspiration to my son, an aspiring airline pilot. Our deepest condolences to Maggie, Herbie, Megan, and the entire Hortman family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
phyllis bialor
May 22, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Herb when he was a youngster, was there thru the loss of Norm. And many years later took my grandson to NE airport for the beginners lesson.
Jonathan Fink
May 22, 2015
When I was president of the DVA at PNE I had the pleasure of working with Herbie on the maintenance of our aircraft. Every time you talked to him you learned something. He will be missed at PNE and by the entire aviation community.
Robert Pfluger
May 22, 2015
Dear Maggie and Family,
Although I have never met you and your children, I feel I know you through my relationship with Herb. I am sad for your entire family. There are not many people left in business that consider a handshake a binding contract. Herb was on of those people. My deepest sympathy for all of the Hortman's and friends. Warmest Regards,
Bob Pfluger
Joanna Mack
May 21, 2015
Herb and Maggie were my neighbors for many years. During this time they literally took care of me. Helping me whenever they could. Words cannot describe how incredibly sad I am and how sorry I am for Maggie, Megan and Herbie. You will be greatly missed by so many of us. Rest in Peace Herb.
Tim Lankford
May 21, 2015
I flew with Herb as a first officer on the B-757 at Continental Airlines. Herb was a great mentor to me and gave me much guidance and direction on my aspirations. Several months later when I dropped in to visit the family business, he graciously took time out of his busy schedule to show me around and answer all of my questions. Herb was a great person and I know he will be missed greatly by many. I extend my condolences to his family during this saddened time.
Tim Lankford
May 21, 2015
I flew with Herb as a First Officer at Continental Airlines on the B-757. Herb was a great mentor to me, and helped give me guidance and direction on my aspirations. I came by to visit the business just to get some ideas, and he graciously took time out of his busy schedule to show me around and spend a great deal of time answering all of my questions. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man, and I send my condolences to his family during this great time of loss. He will be missed greatly!!
Steve Dershimer
May 21, 2015
To Herb's Family: Having first met Herb at 3M when he was just 19, I never forgot him. Later at PNE he sold us our Tiger 938TE in 2011. He was always an honest, thoughtful and caring gentleman and his going west is too soon. Clear skies and calm winds
Sarah Smith Ragsdale
May 21, 2015
Jeannine, I am so sorry for your loss and praying for you and your family. I remember in college the stories you would tell about your big brothers and how much you adored them. I understood because I have brothers too. Love and hugs and bless you and your family.
Rich Crouthamel
May 21, 2015
My family and I were deeply saddened to hear of Herb's passing. He was and always will be my greatest influence and mentor. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been introduced to Hortman Aviation nearly 25 years ago. My family offers its deepest sympathy to the entire Hortman family.
George Anagnostopoulos
May 21, 2015
Few people could make an impact on other people's lives like Herb could. He was one of those unforgettable people that was just likeable the minute you met him. I was so fortunate to have crossed paths with him early in life. It's truly a sad day for everyone he touched. Rest easy my friend.
May 21, 2015
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Herb's passing. He was always a source of knowledge and advice for those of us who picked up the aviation bug at a later age. I will miss his smiling presence on the grounds of PNE. Heartfelt condolences to Maggie and the kids.
Gary Okum
James Gerhardt
May 21, 2015
I remember a lot about Herb, helping me learn to fly, giving aviation advice from the elementary to how to achieve an aviation career, the flight school and my first opportunity as a flight instructor. What I'll remember most is our laughter together. Rest well Herb.
Mark Ramins
May 20, 2015
I first met Herb as a 15 year old aspiring to be a pilot, 33 years ago. As a young man that was "all airspeed and no heading", Herb acted as a mentor and role model. For that I will never forget him. He was the consummate professional and a great friend. Rest in peace "Sky Dog!"
Vickie Flood
May 20, 2015
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Herb. He contributed greatly to my husband's and son's career in aviation. Tom and I remember Herb as a young line boy at 3M Airport in the early 70's. We always admired the advances and responsibilities he took on as an adult. We will always be fond of his family and the contributions they made to aviation, not just themselves but all the people they touched. Thank you to the Hortman family!!
C. W. and Marny Gilluly
May 20, 2015
A great friend, instructor and aviator with a wealth of aviation experience. Best wishes to Maggie and the kids. C.W. and Marny Gilluly
Jeff Litz
May 20, 2015
To Herb's family my deepest condolences.
We shared many laughs together. RIP
Karen Gauby
May 20, 2015
So sorry to hear of Herb's passing. Met him at 3M airport all those years ago--1976. Always enjoyed talking to him on the frequency (and you too, Walter) when he flew to or over RDG. I know he will be missed, by friends, and by the local aviation community.
Marty Washart
May 20, 2015
Shocked and Saddened to read of the loss of Herb. Herb, was a great source of Inspiration and Knowledge,as well as a good friend. I can remember many times meeting Maggie and Herb at Kopper Kettle, swapping stories and beers and giving some good advice. Maggie and your children my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marty Washart
Kelly Cannon Dennis
May 20, 2015
I am deeply sad to hear about Herb. He was such a huge part of my early aviation career. We shared many good times together and he will be truly missed. I will keep him, Maggie, his children, and family in my prayers. God speed Herb.
Art Brownell
May 20, 2015
A true aviation professional. I will miss talking with Herb, and responding to his needs and counsel for the FAA.
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