Herbert George Strelitz Jr.

Visitation will take place on Monday April 5th 2010 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm, and the Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday April 6th 2010 at 10 am at St. Jude Catholic Church in Boca Raton, Florida. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Babione Funeral Home, Boca Raton, FL.

Babione Funeral Home

10060 Calle Comercio Drive

Boca Raton, FL 33428

561-483-9500

Biography

In the song of life, Herbert George Strelitz Jr. was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Herb preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Herb believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Herb perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

His parents were Herbert and Emma Strelitz. Herb was raised in Wildwood, New Jersey. As a young child, Herb was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Herb rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Herb showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along well with everyone. He was raised with four siblings. He had two brothers and two sisters, Louise, Jerry, Patricia and Stephen.

As he was growing up, Herb developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. He was a Boy Scout and in his spare time he liked to read. However, to Herb, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Those who didn’t know Herb well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Herb was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Herb’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Frankie Stewart and Paul Davis. Later in life, he became friends with too many to mention.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant became completely devoted to another when on September 24, 1960, Herb exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Dorothy DiBenedetto at the St. Stephens Roman Catholic Church in Hollywood, Florida. It was love at first sight when the two met. Dorothy was only 17 and Herb 21, but they knew they were meant for each other. From a float in a Hollywood parade Dorothy heard a familiar voice shout, "Hey Sunshine!" and from that day forward that was his nickname for her. Always telling her she was his "Sunshine," their life together is truly a magnificent love story.

Herb was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Herb was blessed with four children, two daughters Mary, Lisa and two sons Herbert III (Buddy), Marc. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Jillian, Alexandra, Peter, Brady, Maria, Marc Jr., Angela and Tiffany.

Herb enjoyed what he did for a living. He worked hard to succeed every day. At a very young age along with Dorothy, they started their own contracting business in Broward and Palm Beach counties succeeding in the construction of various residential and commercial properties. Herb was always a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others. In business he was well liked and respected.

Herb was a Navy Veteran. He served abroad an Aircraft Carrier as a jet mechanic. Herb’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

His favorite pursuits were fishing, gardening and computers. Herb enjoyed his hobbies and was always willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Throughout his life, Herb was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Herb was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Hunger Program, and various fund raising events and activities. Herb never said no when anyone was in need.

Herb’s faith was important to him. He was a member of St. Maurice Church and St. Jude Catholic Church. During that time, he was one of the Eucharistic Ministers commissioned at St. Jude Catholic Church. Herb's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

Because he loved the world around him, Herb enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Herb put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. His favorite vacations included cruises, traveling to Caneel Bay, St. Thomas, Florida Keys, Italy, Germany, Catskill Mountains, New York and Las Vegas.

Herb was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Herb’s favorites was a German Shepherd named Princess, who were friends for fourteen years.

Herb passed away on March 30, 2010 at Boca Raton Community Hospital. He passed away due to complications arising from an organ transplant and a stroke. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, four children Mary and Robert Babich, Lisa and John Pappademetriou, sons Herbert and Jennifer Strelitz, and Marc and Tamara Strelitz, eight grandchildren Jillian, Alexandra, Brady, Peter, Maria, Marc Jr., Angela and Tiffany. Services were held at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Boca Raton. Herb was laid to rest in Boca Raton, Florida.

Herbert was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Herbert always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Herbert was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Herbert George Strelitz Jr.