Tributes

Bob was born on August 22, 1948, to Mary Brenkach and Robert L. Herbster in Hillside, NJ. He grew up in Cranford, NJ, with his younger brothers Donald and Gary, where he loved to play baseball and was in the marching band. Bob served in the Air Force in Brindisi, Italy, from 1969-1972. After his service, Bob settled in Clark, NJ, with his first wife, Teri Londino, and their two children, Donna and Rob. For his primary career, Bob was an Operations Manager at Ascor Scrap Iron in Queens, NY, for 27 years, and, to his credit, only called in sick once, and that was for heart surgery in 1996. After leaving the scrap industry Bob sold cars for many years and then drove a school bus for special needs children in Bridgewater school district in New Jersey where he truly enjoyed getting to know his students and their families. Bob is predeceased by his parents and brother Donald, and is survived by his brother Gary, his wife Debbie, and Bob’s children, grandchildren, and nephews. Bob’s two adult children, Rob and Donna, were his main focus throughout his life. He made sure each got a complete college education and was involved in every aspect of their lives from cheering them on at sporting events, to teaching them how to fish and, of course, how to play golf! He adored his three grandchildren, Charleigh, Ryan, and Daniella. ”Poppy”, as they lovingly called him, visited with them as often as he could, always up for a game of basketball, swimming, playing cards, and of course golf! He loved playing on the course with Ryan, as well as Top Golf trips with Charleigh and Daniella. Bob always had a loving relationship with all of his immediate and extended family members, and was so happy to welcome Sarah, Rob’s fiancé, into the family who he loved dearly. In 2003, Bob met Rosemary Farrell (Ro) while at separate functions at a club in Bridgewater, NJ. After the regular small talk, Rosemary asked Bob if he danced, to which he replied, “Only after 4 vodkas”! Thus, to this day, Bob is known as “Vodka Dancer” Bob, often showing off his dance moves which his friends coined “The Herbie Shuffle”. Ro and Bob had a wonderful 20-year relationship and have been married for 13 of those. They enjoyed traveling to various golf destinations, to visit family, and see the country. They loved to spend time with friends new and old, and were always up for a party! Their love for lifelong friends was evident as they created an annual party in NJ to keep in touch with old friends who called him Bob-Babe. They loved having visits from family members in Myrtle Beach and created a morning breakfast called “Chez Poppy” where they both donned chef’s hats and entertained while using their cooking skills. For the past 40 years, Bob’s passion has been the game of golf. He was a long-standing member, and for many years the president, of the Garwood athletic club, where the members played various golf courses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and South Carolina. His golf passion started in 1986 with his brother Gary after attending a charity outing in support of a sick friend. From then on, after his family, golf was his primary love and passion! So dedicated, Bob and Gary were known to play in 20-degree weather in the middle of January and even once or twice in some light snow! After retiring to Myrtle Beach in 2010, Bob organized two golf groups on a weekly basis. Bob was so dedicated, he would wake up at midnight on Tuesdays in order to get the prime Saturday morning tee times for him and his friends. Whatta guy! After retiring to Myrtle Beach, Bob and Ro established Ye Old Bull and Bush (aka The Bushy Bull) as their favorite watering hole and hangout. Through the Bull, they made many wonderful new friends, became trivia experts on Tuesday nights, and superfans, as well as great friends, with the local 80’s band, Miracle Max and the Pet Monsters. Vodka Dancer Bob could often be found at the band’s events where he was frequently seen doing his famous spins and other fancy dance moves. Being a great sport, Bob also danced at Rosemary’s annual ballroom dancing showcase event, often with funny skits and unique costumes that were HIS idea! During retirement, Bob became a respected Uber driver amassing over 14,000 road trips. His ratings for friendliness were always at the top and he kept his car immaculate. His friends called him ”Uber Man”, which he cleverly turned into a costume one Halloween. Bob loved the personal interaction with his riders from all over the world and was known to receive $100 tips on several occasions for being so friendly and gracious to all he met. Always the life of the party, Bob had a way of bringing out the best in everyone. He knew how to make people laugh with his antics, upbeat personality, and love of life. His laughter, spirit, warm heart, and great sense of humor will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Her best friend, husband, dance partner, and golf buddy Bob will always be Rosemary’s SWEETIE! A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. Attire for memorial service: guests are encouraged to wear: Golf attire, Miracle Max and Pet Monsters shirts, music note garb like Bob wore at the Palmetto Performers and Annual dance shows, or anything you want. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at the following: 1 Help for Kids-www.help4kidssc.org/donate.html 2. The First Tee Myrtle Beach-www.firstteecoastalcarolinas.org/about/ 3. RAHT (Rotarians Against Human Trafficking) Checks: Rotary Club of North Myrtle Beach, PO Box 823, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 If sending cards: Rosemary Farrell, c/o Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, PO Box 1009, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

Robert Herbster

August 22, 1948 - August 5, 2023