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Obituary
Robert G. Herbinko, 90, of Hazleton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening at St. Luke’s Minor Hospital, Coaldale.
Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Charles and Margaret (Paranic) Herbinko and a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton.
Robert was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and later worked for Spaulding Bakeries for 25 years. He found his greatest joy, however, in his years with the Hazleton Area School District as a special education bus driver. Alongside his beloved wife, Joan, he brought laughter, patience, and kindness to the children and families he served. His quick jokes and big heart made every bus ride a reminder that someone cared.
A natural handyman, Robert had a knack for fixing just about anything, often with creative solutions that worked better than the original design. He was also very active: a champion bowler who won tournaments across Pennsylvania and an avid horseshoe player who could hit his mark with ease. He stayed active well into his later years, still sharp with a joke even in his final hours.
Robert loved watching boxing. George Foreman was his favorite boxer, and he could often be found cheering at the TV as if he were ringside. But above all, he was a family man. His wallet, always stuffed with photos of his grandchildren, was his proudest possession.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his sons Robert and John Herbinko; grandsons Robert Herbinko, Brandon Novatnak, and Jeremy and Thomas Swett; and brother Charles Herbinko.
Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Joan (Doyle) Herbinko; daughters Theresa Swett, Joann Shuliga and husband Kyle, and MaryBeth Frye and husband Pappy; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored their ”pop-pop” and numerous nieces and nephews.
His Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd, at 3 P.M. at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton. The family will receive friends on Tuesday at the church from 2-3 P.M. The Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences can be sent through www.moranfuneralhome.com.
Robert will be remembered as a man who could make you laugh when you needed it most, who worked with his hands and his heart, and who found joy in the everyday moments with family and community. -
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