Hector Enrique Herrera

Hector Enrique Herrera, 79, passed away peacefully at home on January 2, 2026.

Born in Apulo, Colombia on July 31, 1946, to the late Hermógenes and Isabel Herrera (née Pardo), Hector attended high school in Bogotá and completed coursework at CENA before moving to the United States at the young age of 16.

He settled with family in Orange, New Jersey, where he continued his study of mechanics and worked at his brother Nelson’s clothing factory in Newark. Naturally mechanically inclined, Hector had an exceptional ability to understand and work through complex systems with ease.

This talent led to a long and distinguished career in specialized machinery and industrial mechanics. He worked for MikroPul (now Hosokawa Micron Powder Systems) in Summit for more than 25 years, traveling throughout North America as part of his work. As machinery evolved over the decades, Hector evolved with it—never becoming obsolete, but instead refining his skills and expertise over time. His passion for mechanics extended beyond his profession and was reflected in his beloved truck, in which he took great pride.

The past several years he worked in delivery & facilities services at PFSP and RARE Specialty Pharmacy, delivering medication to chronically ill patients and working alongside his sons. His pride in a family business shone as he showed up outside of normal business hours; spending random Sundays sweeping trash out of the far corners of the parking lot, taking the 4x4 out for a youthful spin, and tackling all the little projects only a father would notice.

Hector raised his family with Amanda in Clark, New Jersey, where he lived for more than thirty years and was a proud member of the community. He was a fixture on the sidelines of his children’s youth sports activities. The house on School Street was a hub of bustling activity, often hosting family and friends for barbecues and parties.

In 1996, Hector moved to Scotch Plains with Myriam and Erica. No stranger to new communities, he became the HOA president and go-to handyman for his neighbors. He was a devoted parishioner at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, specifically Saturday 5 p.m. mass, which he would attend regularly until his unexpected passing.

Hector enjoyed traveling domestically and internationally but especially trips down the shore and road trips with family. Salt water and sunshine were his natural habitat. Above all else, the center of his world was time spent with loved ones.

Hector took the role of patriarch seriously, nurturing familial bonds with intention and understanding. He dedicated his free time to family and friends, enthusiastically supporting their interests while encouraging continued growth and education. He valued independence and fostered a strong drive for success in each of his children.

Proudly embracing his American citizenship, Hector embodied the American Dream. Through hard work, perseverance, and integrity, he provided for his family and instilled in his children the values of service, sacrifice, and personal responsibility. His sons served honorably in the United States Navy (Hector A.) and the United States Marine Corps (Fabian), while his daughter Claudia dedicated her career to nursing. Erica earned her bachelor's in social work and interned at CASA of Union County. Hector deeply loved this country and took immense pride in his children’s contributions to it.

Becoming a grandfather was the greatest blessing of his life, and the memories created with his grandchildren will be cherished forever. Despite always sidestepping diaper duty, Hector was in the stands for every soccer game, always ready for a game of pre-bedtime catch, and good for a roll of quarters at the arcade. His favorite grand-baby game “this is my toy” will be shared as fond memories for years to come.

Hector was consistent and steady, reliable and loving. He showed up – for the big stuff and the small stuff. He was not a man of many words, but his playful sense of humor spoke volumes. His lifetime of hard work, multiple jobs, and belief in their success gave his children the wings they needed to forge their own paths. He may have made them hold the light for him when they were little but now, as grown adults, he showed up and held the light for them. Hector’s quiet consistency built a foundation for familial success that will outlast him and many generations to come.

Hector was predeceased by his beloved siblings, Nelson, Ligia Estela, Myriam, and Jairo Alberto.

He is survived by wife, Myriam Diaz and daughter Erica Zuleta (Anthony). He also leaves behind three children from his marriage to Amanda Herrera - Claudia Almodovar (Dan), Hector A. Herrera (Carrie), Fabian Herrera (Michele). He adored being Grandpa to Kollin (Bailey), Steele, Armando, Jupiter, and Mila and his cherished great-grandson, Jaxton. Sisters Ruth Maria Bustos, Judith Ayala, and Norma Zarate, as well as his many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends mourn his passing.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Teresa Roman Catholic Church, 306 Morris Avenue, Summit.

Interment will follow at St. Teresa Cemetery, 136 Passaic Avenue, Summit.

Memorial contributions may be made in Hector’s name through the link below to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

There will be a livestream of the funeral mass if you are unable to make it in person, Join Here.