Herbert F. Verzyl

My Uncle Herbie

9-20-1928 to 12-06-22

This ‘Uncle Herbie Story” is about the uncle everyone wishes they could have had.
Born at home in Elmhurst, NY, he lived with his parents Christopher and Mary (Stanley) Verzyl along with seven other siblings. As a loyal and loving son, he continued to live at home, caring for his parents as they aged. He was a frequent drop in visitor to all our homes. Known to bring us his latest jokes to share a laugh, he did not hesitate to also share his ideas about politics, people and cars, cars, cars. His love and dedication to American made autos was evident to his mechanic friends who acknowledged his ability to diagnose unusual symptoms with a very sharp eye. Those cars he loved to repair, he loved to drive. He raced some cars both in NY and at the Daytona track, according to a family friend. There is a photo shown here of Uncle Herbie wearing the biggest smile, as he is about to race…

It came as no surprise that Uncle Herbie accepted a job as a Hi-Lo and Line Mechanic for a local cannery, where he retired by age fifty. He left there but continued many friendships with fellow workers.

While he never married, he did connect with a number of women who became special to him throughout his lifetime. He had remained friends with them until the day he passed away.
He shared a love for animals with many friends. I can still see him walking up the hill to his house with a mixed breed shepherd. The dog was black all over, save pure white coloring on all four paws. That is why he named him “Spats”!

It is with sorrow we recognize that Uncle Herbie has left us for a new beginning with Our Creator. God Bless you and keep you safe.