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Herbert Mayer Schon

FUNERAL HOME

Berardinelli Family Funeral Service

1399 Luisa Street

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Herbert Schon Obituary

HERBERT MAYER SCHON 1931~2014 Herb Schon, avid cyclist, skier and baker of rugelach, died on June 30 after a massive stroke. Herb was born in Newark, NJ, and lived for many years in New York City, where after a career in advertising he founded Grandma's Recipe Rugelach, a specialty bakery. He retired to Santa Fe, NM, in 1997, and within a few years had revived the Grandma's brand. At age 75, Herb indulged his passion for cycling by riding from California to New Hampshire, and from Oregon to Southern California at 80. At 77 he was struck by a car while cycling in Albuquerque, and a year later he suffered multiple broken bones and skull fractures after a high-speed bike crash in Los Alamos. But nothing could stop Herb, and in both cases he was back in the saddle within months, even riding a century with the helicopter crew who had saved his life. When he wasn't on his bike he could be found skiing, working out at the gym or making rugelach deliveries to his many customers. Herb was known for his integrity and humor, but it was his fierce tenacity and love for life that will continue to serve as an inspiration to his friends. He is survived by his wife, Irene; his son, Peter; daughter-in-law, Amanda, and granddaughter, Greta. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600 Please sign our guestbook for the family at: www.berardinellifuneralhome.com

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Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Jul. 2 to Jul. 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Schon

22 Entries

Jerry Drayer

April 28, 2020

I covered a lotta miles on bikes with Herb. Always a pleasure. Back in the days.

Jerry D.

April 28, 2020

Herb was a great bike rider, a good friend, a fantastic baker, and always ready to volunteer to help with -- whatever.

Fran Katz-Sekela

June 26, 2019

Herb Schonfeld, man extranaire entered the holy gates & may he enjoy eternal restful sleep together with his loved ones. Fran Katz-Sekela Weequahic High School class of 6/54.

Loraine/Eric Small

November 17, 2014

So sorry for your loss. We send our heartfelt condolences.
Contact us if you ever come to NYC.

Linda

September 2, 2014

I met Herb at GCC.. He was always wrking out! I was saddened when I saw he passed.Rest in Peace Herb!

Beverly Robbins

July 26, 2014

Irene and family:
I had lunch with Herb a few years ago at the Spinnaker restaurant in Sausalito, CA at one of his bike trips passing through San Francisco. We had a delightful time reminiscing about the old days. He gave us all rugelah he carried on his knapsack on his bike. They were super delicious. Then he sent a shipment as a present to my home. What a lovely and thoughtful man. My sincere sympathies to you and your family.
Beverly Grossman Robbins 6/48

George LaBar

July 26, 2014

Herb and I had lunch in Sausalito during his bike tour to California about a year ago and I was impressed by his vitality and eagerness to cycle around the country. In remembrance, today I'll wear the Grandma's Rugelach t-shirt he gave me that day.
George LaBar, Weequahic Class President,1950.

Fran Katz-Sekela

July 26, 2014

Meeting Herb a Weequahic High School alum just a few short years ago in Southern CA on one of his famous bike tours led me to think that he was invincible & a friend for many years.Truth be told, I was about to ask him to send me his rugelach recipe & I came across his obit. It's a sad day for all who knew him & may he rest in peace. He was for real, a true mensch.

Juliet Heneghan

July 22, 2014

I felt blessed to have met you.i love your great hard work and love of life.everyone at Kellers will miss you

Lizzie Simon

July 12, 2014

I used to ski with Herb up at Ski Santa Fe. He introduced me to the great "tree skiing" up there and taught me the technic. I'll always remember him singing songs on the chairlift..almost exclusively from the Big Band Era, and always jazz or blues. I will miss him very much.

July 10, 2014

Irene, Peter and family: David (Westfall) and I met Herb through mutal friends, Norman and Jane Griner, when we all lived in Manhattan. My memories include witnessing lively, barb-for-barb conversations with you and Herb, a tiny Lexington Ave apt converted into a Rugelach-baking abode before hitting the bigtime, a delightful stay in your home in Santa Fe enjoying margaritas (Herb's special concoction) together, and lots of stories of bicycle rides. Herb had a sense of humor that never quit -- and his physical recovery-from-bike-accidents track record was downright AMAZING. Our hearts go out to you all. Love, Barbara Ann Peters

July 10, 2014

I was saddened to hear the news of Herb's passing. Ed has mentioned him many, many times and he was an inspiration to us all whether at the gym or on the slopes, biking or baking!We should all embrace life as he did! Herb reminded us to live life to the fullest. I can't think of a better legacy to leave behind for family and friends. I send you and your family our deepest sympathy. He was a presence and will be missed by us all.
Melissa Williams

Leo Anderson

July 7, 2014

Irene, I send you my heart felt condolences and am saddened at your loss. We will all miss Herb's passion for life and his famous Rugelach.

I met Herb on a Colorado Bicycle Ride and we rode several other rides together. Herb introduced me to a California Cabernet as a recovery drink that worked better than my original choice.

One of our most memorable rides was the "Ride the West" ABB ride. During this ride he created a book club where we did not get much reading done but had a bountiful supply if wine, cheese, crackers and good times after each day's ride.

Another highlight for me was to be invited along with others to ride the Santa Fe Century (2013) with him. I was treated royally while staying with Herb and Irene. Herb's BBQ skills were in top form after we all completed the century and with Irene's culinary delights, we all enjoyed such a feast.

Herb, may you keep that smile, that song in your heart as you navigate those great down hills. I miss you.

Harry Morales

July 7, 2014

Irene, My deepest condolence for your loss. Although Herb and I hadn't seen each other for many years, we always had a few laughs about one topic or another when we did. God bless and take care.

Tom Rodman

July 6, 2014

Herb was my friend for over 25 years though whom I lived vicariously, whether skiing black diamonds or biking coast-to-coast. One regret: We never actually skied together, but then there's no way I could've kept up! I will miss him and will never forget him.

July 6, 2014

Get a good rest my friend. I'm sure that wherever you end up there will be some physical activity for you and a crying need for rugalach. You lived your life well and on your own terms. Thank you for being a friend and allowing us to share it with you. Mickey Vail - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Lynn Pilgrim-Little

July 5, 2014

Herb supplied us with rugelach at our coffeehouse, Las Chivas but I had met Herb before that. He came in one day, a few years ago, in his cyclist uniform (never saw him in any other clothes) with the SOBs (Seniors on Bikes) and we had a greater time. What a character! Over the years we frequently bumped into each other and he ALWAYS made me laugh. What a mensch! I'll miss this guy.

Victoria Seale

July 5, 2014

I only met Herb once when I was buying my almost daily fix of rugelach. I told him I LOVED them, and he said what? I said I LOVE THEM! and He kept making me repeat myself because he said he loved hearing it! I"m sorry I didn't know him better. he gave the world such a sweet and delicious treat!

Susan Sheldon

July 4, 2014

Irene, we are so sorry for your loss. Sorry to be away at this time, but we know you have friends and family there to lend support.
Love you.
Scott and Susan Sheldon

Ted Freedman

July 3, 2014

Herb always inspired me with his passion for being active. Seemed like he was constantly in motion. H

Kathy Tari

July 3, 2014

Herb was a mensch. Kind, always smiling, positive in his special way.
Herb and Irene purchased the house in Eldorado that my family had been renting.
I can't remember the exact circumstances, but we were invited to dinner at the "old house." Dessert was naturally Grandma's Rugelach. I'd had rugelach before, but this was special. This was a treat made with love.
I'd see Herb around---always on his bike, or I'd see the green SUV parked at the supermarket at Agora and knew he was off riding.
Finding "Grandma's"in the supermarket at Agora was a happy day. Can't tell you how many times I bought everything on the counter as a gift for Teacher's Appreciation Day.
On occasion, I would read a letter to the editor, or something by Herb. You couldn't take the New York out of him. However, I can't think of another person who belonged in Santa Fe more than he did.
Safe journey, Herb.
Condolences to Irene and family.

Sally Sulloway

July 3, 2014

Herb's sense of humor, sense of adventure, perseverance and his high standards were inspiring. He was able to accomplish more than most of us. He created fun times and wonderful memories for Irene, Peter and family, and his many friends. We are grateful to have known Herb and miss him.

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