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BORN
1934
DIED
2018
Robert Herald Obituary
September 9, 1934 - November 16, 2018
Resident of Los Gatos
Robert Edwin Herald passed suddenly on Friday, November 16, from an acute infection.
Born and reared in San Francisco, Rob was graduated from George Washington High School and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. He chose the Engine, rather than the Deck program, loving all things mechanical. His degree was in Marine Engineering, and a tour as Engineering Officer in the U.S. Navy followed.
Only his fascination with people edged out his affinity for the sound of a boiler and the smell of hot oil. His professional passion was organization development, and after working as an Applications Engineer at FMC in San Jose, he went to Becton Dickinson in Los Gatos, serving as Plant Manager for many years before retiring.
Because Rob believed a man was either working or waiting to die, we approached his retirement with trepidation. Fortunately, working in his home shop, reading, writing, philosophizing, providing sous-chef support, and being the ultimate host left too little time in a day. He and Sharon spent a decade on his Harley, and another RVing.
His sudden passing gave no time for last good-byes. We find consolation knowing, because he often spoke it, Rob had no regrets. He loved his life, and he loved his family, and he loved his friends, and he let us all know that.
He is survived by his adored and adoring wife of 58 years, the former Sharon Ann Lurie of New York; daughter Amanda Norton (Doug) of Yuma, AZ; son Brad Herald (Tina) of Morgan Hill; and daughter Alison Ryan (Chris) of Willoughby Hills, Ohio. His total love for his children and their spouses carried to his grandchildren Andrea Watson (J.P.) and great grandson Benjamin; Elizabeth Norton J.D. of AZ; Jenn Herald (fiancé Sean Bernstein) of VA; Robert Norton of TN; and Daniel Ryan of NC and Ohio. Rob is also survived by his sister, Audrey Polster (Ron, deceased) of Atherton; and by his cousin, Elaine Lutz of Salinas.
Services have been held. For those who care to make a donation to honor Rob, please consider a tax-deductible donation to US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Inc. (Tax ID # 11-6037948) in memory of Robert Herald '58. Please visit www.usmmaaf.com/makeadonation or make your check payable to "USMMA AAF" (in memory of Robert Herald '58 in the memo) and mail to: USMMA AAF, 300 Steamboat Road, Kings Point, NY 11024.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries
Deborah L. Gilson
December 15, 2018
April 10th, 1960, my mother held me, her week-old daughter. She desperately wished to attend the wedding of Robert, her older brother, and Sharon, his love. Her wish became a reality and she attended the wedding at their parents' home in San Francisco, California. While standing away from view, she nursed me. I soundly slept in my mother's arms while she joyfully watched the ceremony.
Having Aunt Sharon and Uncle Rob in my life since April of 1960 has been enriching in endless ways. Their support, guidance and love will always be fueling my heart.
MARY MCCLELLAND
December 8, 2018
I had the GREAT FORTUNE to know Rob and Sharon through our swim club in the Los Gatos Mountains . He was an avid swimmer , a dedicated family man , a raconteur and philosopher. I will never forget the day he and Sharon offered their support when my husband died suddenly. Sharon breathed, I LOVE ROB SO MUCH , MY HEART IS FILLED with EMPATHY for you . . . SHARON, MY HEART IS FILLED WITH EMPATHY FOR YOU ! ! ! YOU TWO have been MY GIFT and MY BLESSING ! ! ! KNOW that I SURROUND YOU in LOVE and LIGHT and HOLD YOU IN MY HEART ! ! !
Mary MCCLELLAND
December 8, 2018
Our SORROW is due to OUR GREATEST JOY in HAVING KNOWN HIM . HE was a BLESSING , and WE were BLESSED ! ! ! But he LIVES ON in the stories we tell, the hearts he touched, the children and grandchildren who live on and through HIS GREATEST LOVE, SHARON . NOW , He is a GUARDIAN ANGEL to oversee the care of his loved ones. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED !
Robert Raphael
November 30, 2018
I was very saddened to hear of Rob's passing. I have never met a finer man. His intelligence, empathy and kindness were extraordinary. I have many nice memories of his and Sharon's visits to Seattle. It was a pleasure to know him. He was truly a "mensch"
Our sincere condolences to Sharon and family.
Robert and Janet Raphael
Sandra Bozarth
November 26, 2018
My deepest condolences to Sharon and the family. With Love, Robert and Sandra Bozarth
John Wyant
November 25, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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