Herbert Oscar Lau

We are deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of our father, Herbert O. Lau, of Windsor, Connecticut. Herb was a good man: an adoring husband, supportive father, and an active member of his community. He gave excellent fatherly advice, from spot-on career guidance to the more mundane, "If you don't change that oil, you're going to wreck that engine." He loved a good chocolate chip cookie. Herb grew up in Queens, New York, where he graduated from Grover Cleveland High School and met Elsie Geprags. He went on to college and earned a degree in engineering design. With Elsie, his cherished wife and partner for 52 happy years until her passing in 2006, they built a life rooted in love, kindness, and faith. A proud U.S. Marine, Herb served his country during the Korean War, where he was a medical research draftsman. In 1960, he and Elsie moved their young family to Windsor, CT when his employer, Combustion Engineering, relocated. Herb devoted 41 years of his career at Combustion-later Alstom Power-retiring in 1992 as an engineer. He was a longtime member of Saint Gabriel Church in Windsor, CT, and later attended Holy Spirit Catholic Church in South Carolina. His faith guided his life of service: he volunteered his time driving people to medical appointments, tutoring schoolchildren, and offering respite care to families in need. Herb's greatest pride was his family. He was the son of the late Herbert and Elisabeth Lau. He is survived by his loving children: Alan T. Lau of Windsor; Gary C. Lau and his wife Sheilarae of Auburndale, MA; Arlyn E. Lau of Windsor; and Barbara J. Yungk and her husband Ronald of Windsor. He was a devoted grandfather to Emma Yungk of Plainville, CT; Christopher Yungk of Enfield, CT; Fiona Talmage and her husband Owen of Waltham, MA; and Roxanne Lau of Auburndale, MA. Herb is also survived by a great-granddaughter Eleanor Talmage of Waltham. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Mary Ann Gural and her husband Nicholas of North Port, Florida. In his later years, Herb found happiness with his fiancée, the late Joyce Suhs of Seabrook Island, South Carolina, and her generous and loving children, Darin Suhs of John's Island, SC, and Kimberly King of Palmer, MA. We would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to the staff at Stonebrook Village in Windsor Locks for the kindness they showed us and our father. Herb will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Herb's life. Calling hours and a memorial service will be held at 10 AM Friday October 3 at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Avenue in Windsor. Burial with military honors will take place at Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herb's memory to the charity of your choice.