Obituary of Robert F. Herbst

Robert F. Herbst Sr. June 30, 1922 - April 13, 2007 Robert F. Herbst, Sr., age 84, a life long resident of Danbury died, at home on Friday, April 13, 2007. He was the husband of the late Irene E. (Stryker) Herbst. Mr. Herbst was born in Danbury on June 30, 1922, a son of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Straiton) Herbst. A U.S. Marine veteran, he first served his country during WWII as a Tech Sgt. fighting in three major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Benika in the Russell Islands and Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands. Mr. Herbst received a Presidential Unit Citation and a letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy for his service in the Pacific theater. He was later called from inactive reserve status to serve in the Korean War from 1950-1952. Upon his return to Danbury, he was a founding member of the Hat City Detachment of the Marine Corps League and later served as its chaplain. He was also involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. In 1994, Mr. Herbst was honored by the Hat City League when he was selected as Parade Marshall for the Danbury Memorial Day Parade. In 1945, Mr. Herbst met and fell in love with Catherine Yurick. They stayed in Danbury where they raised their 3 sons. Robert and Catherine were married for 25 years when she died at the age of 46. Many may remember him as the former owner of Herbst Floor Covering. He continued his career in flooring and worked as a foreman for M. Frank Higgins Co., retiring after 30 years of service. He then worked at Danbury Hospital for 12 years in the maintenance department and finally he was a driver for the Hart Bus Co. in Danbury. Mr. Herbst is survived by 3 sons: Robert F. Herbst Jr. and his wife Christine of Villanova, PA, Ronald K. Herbst of New Milford, and Gary M. Herbst and his wife Barbara of Danbury; 5 grandchildren: Jason W., Valerie and Kimberly Herbst, Amy Clatterbuck and Kristen Campbell. He is also survived by his dear friend, Helen Guston of Bethel. He was predeceased by a sister Pauline Hugo. Funeral Information The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St., Danbury. Cremation will be at the direction of the family. Burial in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery with full military honors will be at a later date. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM. Donations Information Donations in his memory may be made to: Marine Corps League, Danbury Hat City Detachment #036, 136 Triangle Street, Danbury, CT. 06810. Donations Link: