GIBSONIA, PA: Herbert R. Hertel, Jr., age 78, a former longtime Tewksbury resident, died Sunday, June 4, 2006 at his home.
He was the husband of the late Alma Lee (Gretter) Hertel, who died August 12, 2002.
Born in Malden on February 2, 1928, he was the son of the late Herbert R. and Margaret E. (Drucker) Hertel.
Mr. Hertel was raised in Malden and Reading.
He attended Malden schools and graduated from Malden High School in 1946.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Hertel served during World War II and was awarded several decorations including the World War II Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal Japan.
In 1955, he moved to Tewksbury, where he lived for 49 years, until moving to Gibsonia, PA in 2004.
While residing in Tewksbury, he was an active member of the Tewksbury Congregational Church for over 45 years.
In addition, he taught Sunday school, served as a church trustee for over 20 years, was chairman of the Church Fair Committee and was a member of the Sanctuary Committee during the renovation project.
Prior to his retirement in 1996, he was the proprietor of the former Hertel’s Candy Store of Tewksbury, a Main Street landmark for more than 30 years.
He previously worked for 27 years as an insurance agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company until he retired in 1987. Following his retirement from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, he worked as a building maintenance supervisor for ISI for 7 years.
Mr. Hertel enjoyed caring for the grounds at his home and working side by side with his late son during the renovation project at the former candy store.
He is survived by two daughters; Leslie A. Jacob, with whom he resided, of Gibsonia, PA and Linda L. Hertel and her husband Milton E. Jackson of Topeka, Kansas; one brother; Werner W. Hertel and his companion Ann Smart of Hopkinton, NH; three grandchildren; Justin L. Jacob of Gibsonia, PA, Daniel K. Jacob and his wife Jennifer of South Carolina Andrea K. Campbell and her husband Douglas of Indianapolis, Indiana; one great grandchild; Katelyn Frinsco; two sisters-in-law; Frances Gretter of Seabrook, TX and Phyllis Adams of Norwood; also many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hertel was the father of the late Robert G. Hertel, who died May 12, 2001.
Calling hours Thursday, June 15th , from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral service Friday, June 16th, 11 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Tewksbury Congregational Church, c/o Heifer Project, East St., Tewksbury, MA 01876 are requested.