Hugh Herbert
Niantic — Hugh E. Herbert, of 17 Forest Road, Niantic, passed away on Nov. 29, 2017, after a long illness.
He was born in Oxford, Mass., on June 9, 1927, the son of Rosalia Harr and John Newman Herbert, and was one of eight children. Raised in West Mystic, he graduated from Fitch High School and subsequently spent two years in the U.S. Navy as a radio operator.
He later attended Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, and transferred to the University of Connecticut, where he earned a degree in economics and met his wife, Janet Panciotti of Derby. His later engineering degree led to a career in the design of fire protection systems for industry.
In 1970, he moved his family to England, where his work took him to Europe, Africa and Asia. Later, he lived in Turin, Italy, with his wife and youngest daughter. He learned Italian and used his expertise to develop fire and anti-terrorist protection for Fiat auto factories. Subsequently, he worked in Argentina planning safety measures for their subway system.
First and foremost, Hugh was always a dedicated family man. He had a keen wit and wonderful sense of humor. He wrote short stories and personal memoirs, entertaining his family with tales of his childhood adventures.
Hugh enjoyed technology of all kinds, travel, reading, art, sailing and anything Italian. He followed current events and politics and often sent letters to The Day expressing his opinions.
A kind, and compassionate man, Hugh will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his wife Janet; three daughters, Julia Cohen of Brooklyn, N.Y., Amelia Morrison of Baltimore, Md., and Patricia Herbert of Niantic; and five grandchildren, William, Phoebe, Chloe, Morgana and Elli. The family wishes to thank the family physician, Dr. Robert Goldberg, and the nurses and staff of Bridebrook Health and Rehabilitation for their excellent care and kindness.
A private family service will be held in Derby and there are no calling hours. To express condolences or share a memory, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com.