Herbert Older

Herbert (“Herb”) Older, age 94, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 22, 2023. Herb was the beloved husband of the late Leona (nee Rubin) for 64 years. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Ruth and Barry Smith, by his grandson, Aaron Ross Smith, and by his younger sister, Carol Kligerman (the late Samuel). Herb was predeceased by his siblings the late Dorothy Kerr (the late Melvin [Buddy]), the late Richard Older (the late Corrine), and the late Bernard Older (the late Doris). “Uncle Herbie” is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his “granddog”, Max.

Herb was a graduate of what was then the Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University), which he attended under the GI bill after serving active duty in Korea during the Korean War. Initially intending to major in architecture, Herb quickly pivoted to study engineering; for most of his long career, he worked in the aerospace industry, designing and testing safety equipment for small private airplanes.

As those who knew him will readily attest, Herb certainly didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, and he could be a bit “prickly” and taciturn if he wasn’t in the mood for human interaction. However, he was a true, loyal friend – a “mensch” in the best sense of that word – and the people Herb loved never had to doubt for a second how he felt.

To Herb, “Love” was a verb … something to be shown rather than expressed verbally. He and Leona agreed that family came before everything else, and they both spent their lives honoring and treasuring that commitment.

Herb’s family would like to express their gratitude to his hospice case manager, Jennifer Wisneski Grim, and his niece/former hospice nurse, Eileen Rugh (nee Kligerman). Both of these women were tenacious, knowledgeable, compassionate advocates for Herb; they’ve also been champion handholders and support providers to Herb’s family. Thank you.

Contributions in Herb’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/delval, the Bucks County SPCA www.buckscountyspca.org , or the animal shelter/rescue of your choice.

Services and interment are private. Shiva to be held at a later date.