Francis J. "Bob" Herres

Francis J. "Bob" Herres of Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the age of 103.

Born in Dunellen, New Jersey, on April 17, 1922, he was the son of Elizabeth (Ternay) and Kaspar Herres. He grew up in Carteret, New Jersey, alongside his siblings Buddy, Eddie, Billy, and Helen. Francis relocated to Venice, FL in 1995 from Woodbridge, New Jersey.

After graduating from Carteret High School, Francis earned his Civil Aeronautics License from the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, NJ. He soon enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, beginning a distinguished military career as an aircraft mechanic.

His passion for aviation led him to gunnery school, where he joined the crew of the B-24 American Liberator Bomber "Shack Happy." He flew 47 missions over Europe, including the perilous raids on the Ploesti Oil Fields. On his final mission, his plane was shot down, and he was captured and held as a prisoner of war in Romania.

For his bravery and service, Francis was awarded numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Following his military service, Francis married his first wife, Helen, and settled in Woodbridge, New Jersey, where they raised their family. He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic with Operating Engineers Local Union 825, known for both his technical skill and his playful sense of humor.

Family was always his priority, and he balanced hard work with deep devotion to those he loved.

Francis was a gifted storyteller who captivated listeners with tales of courage, humor, and heart. He was admired for his integrity, kindness, and generosity, and had a rare ability to make everyone feel valued and seen.

A master craftsman, Francis shared his love of woodworking through beautifully made gifts-rocking horses, hope chests, cabinets, and benches-that will be cherished for generations.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diana; children Joe (Rhonda) Herres of Easton, PA; Michael (Diane) Klein of Ft. Myers, FL; Kevin (Linda) Klein of Durham, NC; Denise (Bob Cohen) Klein of Venice FL; and Shari (Jim) Burgess of Waynesville, NC; 21 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Helen Herres; daughter Kathleen Wiederhorn; and son Keith Klein.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Venice on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A service with military honors will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery at 12:30 PM.

Arrangements are being handled by Farley Funeral Home in Venice. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.