Edward Herbert

As an avid reader of obituaries, yet a lover of life, Edward Herbert of Blakeslee, PA, would be conflicted to see his name listed here. When asked why he always checked the obituaries, he always joked, “To make sure my name isn’t there.” Ed passed away on August 15, 2026, at age 82, leaving behind a profound legacy defined by laughter, unwavering love, and deep devotion to his family.

Ed was a renaissance man. He could fix anything, although he would undoubtedly curse (a lot) while doing so. If he didn’t know something, he’d figure it out. He could often be found with his New York Times Sunday crossword puzzles (because any other day was too easy) and he completed many compilations as he sat in his sunroom. Ed’s garden was quite a showplace and his favorite flowers were snapdragons because they're so colorful. He loved the outdoors, often casting a fishing line on a peaceful river or gazing up at the stars at night. His daughter fondly remembers sitting with him as a little girl watching Halley’s Comet streak across the sky. He was so excited to see it. He loved to sit in the quiet of the night and tell so many stories about his childhood and his many memories of time spent with friends and family. He enjoyed pizza from Grande’s, a chocolate pecan sundae from Blue Ribbon, listening to the Boston Pops or Johnny Cash, and often wished he had kept the Mickey Mantle baseball cards he had as a kid. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July at Uncle Jer’s. He was the life of the party, a man of boundless generosity, and he brought joy and humor wherever he went.

A graduate of Hughestown High School, Ed went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from King’s College. He applied his sharp mind and tireless work ethic to a long and successful career with Bell Telephone, AT&T, and Loral Skynet.

Above all, his heart belonged to his family. On September 1, he and the absolute love of his life, Barbara, would have celebrated 61 years of marriage. His complete and utter adoration for her was as evident on his last day as it was on his first. He often said he would not want to live a day without her and, in a small way, we’re happy he didn’t have to.

Ed always considered being a father his greatest (and only) accomplishment in life. He was his family’s ultimate champion and never missed an event for his grandchildren. He was always right there in the stands for every basketball game and in the audience for every play, cheering the loudest. 

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his son, Ed, and “daughter” Doris of Carlisle, PA; daughter, Kelly, and “son” Dan James of Allentown, PA; and four cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by the Ranielis and the “brothers” and “sisters” they all became. If anyone was lucky enough to know his warmth and humor, they understand what a profound loss this is.

To celebrate Ed's life, look up at the northwestern sky tonight and find the Big Dipper, pour yourself a Yuengling Lager (he drank it before it was cool), or simply tell your family how much you love them. Hopefully he’d like this obituary, although it might be a bit too long for his taste.

We sure miss you, Dad. Here’s hoping you’ll ride by on Halley’s Comet someday. We love you. [Pause.] Very much.

#Herbert