Robert Francis Herkert - Obituary

obert Herkert, April 29, 1926 – December 31, 2024 Robert Francis Herkert, known as Bob by family and friends, of Palm Coast, FL and Edgewater, MD, was the son of Marie Antoinette “Toni” (nee Rauch) and Henry “Harry” Francis Herkert. He was born and raised in the Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA. Bob graduated Connelley High School in Pittsburgh, PA in 1944. Upon completion of his graduation requirements, Bob enlisted in the US Navy and served in World War II. His mother accepted his diploma in his absence. Bob served on a lengthy deployment on the destroyer USS Larson in the Pacific before discharge after the end of WWII. After discharge, he returned to Pittsburgh where he worked as a carpenter for his grandfather at the Peter Rauch Building Company and enjoyed playing piano at local clubs and dance halls. In 1950, Bob was recalled into the Navy to serve in the Korean War. During his tour in Korea, Bob was recruited into the Armed Forces Security Agency (AFSA), the predecessor to the National Security Agency (NSA). Bob completed studies at The George Washington University in Washington, DC and had a distinguished career in national security and intelligence until his retirement. Bob married Mary Eleanor Suit from Birdsville, MD in 1960. With his wife, they raised their children in Kailua, HI and Birdsville, MD and, upon retirement, Bob and Mary moved to Palm Coast, FL. Bob enjoyed music, carpentry and woodworking, gardening, reading and genealogy research. He was an avid traveler and life-long fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and cherished time with his family and friends. In addition to his parents and brother, William “Bill” Austin Herkert, Bob was predeceased by his loving wife of over 60 years, Mary Eleanor Suit Herkert, and their eldest child, Gregory “Greg” William Herkert. He is survived by children, Pamela Ann, Robert Edgar, Mary Frances “Francie” and her husband Keith; his grandchildren Sarah Christine and her partner Matt, Heather Lynn and her husband Jason, and Robert Lorenzo; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, 101 Owensville Rd, West River, MD on March 21, 2025 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Interment to follow Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows’ Cemetery.