Robert Edwin Herald
September 9, 1934 - November 16, 2018 Resident of Los Gatos
Robert Edwin Herald passed suddenly on Friday, November 16, from an acute infection.
Born and reared in San Francisco, Rob was graduated from George Washington High School and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. He chose the Engine, rather than the Deck program, loving all things mechanical. His degree was in Marine Engineering, and a tour as Engineering Officer in the U.S. Navy followed.
Only his fascination with people edged out his affinity for the sound of a boiler and the smell of hot oil. His professional passion was organization development, and after working as an Applications Engineer at FMC in San Jose, he went to Becton Dickinson in Los Gatos, serving as Plant Manager for many years before retiring.
Because Rob believed a man was either working or waiting to die, we approached his retirement with trepidation. Fortunately, working in his home shop, reading, writing, philosophizing, providing sous-chef support, and being the ultimate host left too little time in a day. He and Sharon spent a decade on his Harley, and another RVing.
His sudden passing gave no time for last good-byes. We find consolation knowing, because he often spoke it, Rob had no regrets. He loved his life, and he loved his family, and he loved his friends, and he let us all know that.
He is survived by his adored and adoring wife of 58 years, the former Sharon Ann Lurie of New York; daughter Amanda Norton (Doug) of Yuma, AZ; son Brad Herald (Tina) of Morgan Hill; and daughter Alison Ryan (Chris) of Willoughby Hills, Ohio. His total love for his children and their spouses carried to his grandchildren Andrea Watson (J.P.) and great grandson Benjamin; Elizabeth Norton J.D. of AZ; Jenn Herald (fiancé Sean Bernstein) of VA; Robert Norton of TN; and Daniel Ryan of NC and Ohio. Rob is also survived by his sister, Audrey Polster (Ron, deceased) of Atherton; and by his cousin, Elaine Lutz of Salinas.
Services have been held. For those who care to make a donation to honor Rob, please consider a tax-deductible donation to US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Inc. (Tax ID # 11-6037948) in memory of Robert Herald ’58. Please visit www.usmmaaf.com/ makeadonation or make your check payable to “USMMA AAF” (in memory of Robert Herald ’58 in the memo) and mail to: USMMA AAF, 300 Steamboat Road, Kings Point, NY 11024.