Herbert J. Straub

Herbert J. Straub, 94, of 626 Sherry Road, St. Marys, passed away Sunday, October 24, 2021, at Penn Highlands DuBois, after a brief illness.

He was born June 5, 1927, in St. Marys, son of the late Peter P. and Irene Fritz Straub. Herb attended the St. Marys Parochial Grade School and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School Class of 1945. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the 33rd Infantry Regiment in the Panama Canal Zone.

After military duty, Herb attended the Bryant & Stratton Business School in Buffalo, NY, where he graduated with a degree in accounting. Having finished business school, Herb was employed at Straub Brewery, Inc., serving as a past president and CEO. He retired in 1992.

On December 30, 1950, in the St. Mary’s Church, Herb married his High School sweetheart and love of his life, Irene “DeDe” Wortman, who survives.

Also surviving are seven children: JoDene McDonald and her husband William of St. Marys; Andrew Straub of Hamburg, NY; Cory Straub and his wife Debra of Kersey; Mary Rochelle Hess and her husband David of Vincent, OH; Melissa Greene and her husband Roger of San Diego, CA; Amy Jo Foote and her husband David of St. Marys; and Terry Straub and his wife Jane of St. Marys. Herb is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Joan Smith of St. Marys; by his two brothers: Victor Straub and his wife Dolores “Dot” and John Straub and his wife Sylvia, both of St. Marys; and by two brothers-in-law: Leo Simbeck and Ed Bosnik.

In addition to his parents, Herb was preceded in death by four sisters: Mary Grace “Sissy” Simbeck, Elizabeth “Betty” Bosnik, Irene “Blondie” Taylor, and Carol Williams; and by two brothers: Peter V. and Jerry Straub.

Herb was a member of the St. Mary’s Church, served on the former Parochial School Board, and was a Mass commentator and radio announcer for over 20 years. He was a past president of the St. Marys Industrial Council and the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail, where he was a charter member since 1952. He was also on the Board of Directors and served as Membership Chairman for the St. Marys Elk County Golf Association. Herb was a Chairman and founding member of the former Benzinger Township Municipal Golf Course Authority and also served as Secretary of the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge #146, for 20 years.

Herb served as an Elk County Commissioner for eight years, four of which he served as Chairman of the Board. He was a part of the Memorial Day Parade for many years, helping when he was in his youth, and later serving as Grand Marshal.

Herb was a special man who loved God, his wife and family, his friends and his community. We are all better for sharing our lives with him. He is dearly missed.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home. Please wear a mask and respect COVID protocols.

 Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Church on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 10:00 AM. Please wear a mask and respect COVID protocols. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary‘s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a favorite charity in Herbie’s name.