1925 – 2015
AUBURN — Harry W. Herkomer left this world peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 19, supported and cared for by the extraordinary team at the Hospice House. He died at age 90 of congestive heart failure, with his family grateful that he had enjoyed a long period of relatively good health.
Harry was born on May 12, 1925, in the Bronx and was educated in parochial schools. Like many of his generation, he left school early to help support his family, soon enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He was proud of his World War II service as a Navy Seabee in Hawaii, and enjoyed keeping up with his old buddies by mail for many years.
He married Anna Peine in 1950 and she predeceased him in 2010. They had two children, Steven and Janet.
Harry was living proof of the power of a good attitude. Life threw him some curve balls, one being a stroke in 2005 that left him unable to walk again. Needing more care, Harry endeared himself to his assisted living caregivers, always saying how much he appreciated their help. His decency, quiet sense of humor and especially his pride in his grandchildren were evident. Late in life, Harry became an avid reader, with an amazing power to recall entire books, read with his one good eye.
Harry is survived by his daughter, Janet Herkomer Adelberg (North Monmouth); his son, Steven Herkomer and wife, Bea, and their family (New Jersey); his beloved granddaughter, Sarah Adelberg (Readfield); his beloved grandson, Jeff Adelberg and fiancee, Tess Mattern, (Belmont, Mass.); and his beloved younger brother, Arthur Herkomer, his wife, Joan, and their family (New Jersey). Other nieces and nephews also survive him.
Harry absolutely treasured visits from hospice volunteers, Barry and Gayla, staff aide extraordinaire Bernice, as well as RN Margaret and Chaplain Terry. There are not enough words to thank the compassionate and dedicated care of the Clover Health Care staff, where he enjoyed everything from wheelchair yoga to therapy dog visits from Smoky, Jazz and Shadow. Rachel, Christine, Jodi, activity staff and your colleagues, your hard work is so very appreciated and made such a difference in Dad’s quality of life.
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