Herbert Lerner

April 29, 1928 – February 4, 2013

Santa Cruz/Monterey ~ Herbert Lerner, born in Brooklyn, NY to Rose and Samuel Lerner, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home in Santa Cruz. Herb began his remarkable career as an x-ray technician. He then received his engineering degree from Pratt University.

Herb was the beloved husband of Regina Lerner for fifty-seven years and a loving father to their only child, Claire. Herb was a dedicated husband and father who took great pride in his family. To his friends he always demonstrated kindness, warmth, and good cheer. Herb and Regina moved to the Monterey Peninsula to be closer to their daughter. They enjoyed the natural beauty of the area.

Herb loved his thirty years working as a draftsman and engineer at the Otis Elevator Company. He was most proud of the drawings and designs he did for the Apollo Space program, designing the elevators that transported the astronauts up to the space capsule. He also worked on the drawings for the Eiffel Tower retrofit. Herbert’s love of drawing, design, and art led him to explore the mediums of photography and oil painting. He was quite accomplished in all art mediums.

After taking an early retirement from Otis, Herb pursued his great passion for American history by taking a position as a costumed historic interpreter at Van Corlandt Manor located in the Historic Hudson Valley, NY. Herb cherished his time there and enjoyed bringing to life the 18th century Dutch settlement to visitors and school groups.

Herb is survived by his daughter, Claire Lerner, and her life partner, Paul Roehl, of Santa Cruz. His wife, Regina, preceded him in death in 2009.

Graveside services will be held at Mission Memorial Park this Friday, February 8 at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Carmel Foundation, PO Box 1050, Carmel, 93921. Please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign Herb’s guest book and leave messages for his family.