Richard Joseph Herbst

October 6, 1930 to February 21, 2023 Richard Joseph Herbst, 92, died peacefully on February 21 surrounded by the comfort and love of his wife, all five children and other family members. Born October 6, 1930, in Pittsburgh, PA, to John Herbst and Alice Ferry Herbst, RJ grew up with his beloved older brother, Bob, (d. 2008)) in McKees Rocks and Brookline and graduated from St Justin’s High School. He served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954, stationed in Germany where he had the opportunity to travel by train throughout Europe. He graduated from Duff’s Business School and started his first job in Pittsburgh with Canadian Pacific Railroad. He married Patricia Carlisle, the love of his life, in 1955 and was soon transferred to Chicago, where he worked until moving to Bethlehem, PA in 1964 for a job with Bethlehem Steel. He was transferred to Pittsburgh in 1973 and became District Transportation Manager in 1976. Two years later he was named to the same position in the former Lackawanna plant in Buffalo, NY. He retired from the company in Bethlehem in 1993. He made himself at home wherever he landed and if he had a motto, it was “Make the most of what life gives you and be grateful.” He did and he was. RJ was a devoted father and husband and friend who radiated love and had a great zest for life. He was passionate about many things, from eagles, trains and lighthouses to Roberto Clemente, Frank Sinatra and dessert -- at any time of the day. An avid reader, he enjoyed books of all kinds, especially history books, and he loved doing crossword puzzles in ink (and getting help from his kids). He was also a devout Catholic, and active in the church where he was a lector and usher. He was an astute investor as well and enjoyed counseling his kids in financial matters. While RJ was very smart and knowledgeable in many areas, he was probably best known for his great sense of humor. He had a knack for puns, good and bad, and telling jokes and making people laugh. While he was truly hilarious, no one laughed harder at his own jokes than RJ. He loved birthdays, especially his own, and our family finally decreed that his would last the entire month of October. He and Pat loved to throw parties for their friends and their kids remember loud and laughter-filled New Year’s Eve parties that lasted long past midnight. Years ago, they were in a group of longtime friends in Bethlehem called the In and Out of Towners for their frequent corporate moves. RJ initiated the novel idea at the time of having the men make dinner for their wives and clean up, too. It was written about in the daily newspaper. He was truly a people person (he adored Barbra Streisand and her song “People”) who treated everyone with respect, from toll booth workers he warmly greeted, to folks he saw on his daily walks in the mall in his last years. He knew how to make people feel special and in return, he was showered with love. More than anything, RJ loved his family and reveled in their triumphs more than his own. He leaves an incredible legacy along with his wife, Patricia of 68 years, which includes five children: Patti (Rob) Schirripa, Tracy (Nick) Certo, Karen (Tom) Geldard, Greg (Simm) Herbst and Rich (Coleen) Herbst and 15 grandchildren: Amanda (Jim) Kohler, Robbie (Allie) Schirripa, Sarah (Angela) Geldard, Rachel (Dan) Peabody, Daniel Certo, Jonathan (Beth) Geldard, Matthew (Sheila) Schirripa, Jessica (Andrew) Herbst,, Katie (Mike) Herbst, Andrew (Rachael) Certo, Tyler Herbst, Morgan (Devon) Dekowski, Peyton Herbst, and Hennah and Stellah Herbst. He also was proud great-grandfather to: Conrad, Brooklynn, Alexander, Wesley, Madison, Lukas, Isaac, Dominic, Colson, Wilhelmina, Leanna, Andrew, Samuel and MaryGrace. His greatest love was always his wise and spiritual wife, Pat, who was at his bedside as he took his last breath. His last gift to us was allowing us all to gather to give him the sendoff he deserved. We were so lucky for so long to have him in our lives, and we have much to be grateful for. As he told us all shortly before he died, he lived a full life and there was nothing more he could ask for. That’s all we can ask for, too. He will shine through us all in our own love of life and our love for each other. Our family wants to give special thanks to his third child, Karen, and her amazing husband, Tom, who gave Dad the best in care the final few years and allowed him to die in peace at their home. We are forever grateful. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 11, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Church of the Resurrection (where RJ and Pat were married) at 1100 Creedmore Avenue in Brookline (Pittsburgh).. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite veterans’ group. Comments are welcome in the guest book.

Richard Joseph Herbst

October 6, 1930 - February 21, 2023