Herbert Latner

Herb passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Herb was born on Christmas day of 1928, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, to parents Sam and Jenny, who had just immigrated from their small town in Europe. Herb lived in New York until moving to Honolulu in 2017. His childhood was spent among his aunts, uncles, and many cousins, who all lived in the same neighborhood. He proudly worked in the Yiddish Theatre during his youth. He also happily worked in the Catskills as a teen and young adult. He attended Stuyvesant High School and Baruch College. Herb loved music and sang in a folk duo, “The Dabblers,” with his brother Norm. In his career, he adored his early years at The School of Performing Arts, which the movie Fame was based on, teaching the talented students and future top stars. He subsequently became an Assistant Principal of Norman Thomas High School, where he taught and helped countless students obtain jobs, until he retired in the early 1990’s. He was married to Joan in 1971, and was prematurely widowed in 1992. During his retirement, he expressed his love of theater by founding and producing shows at a local community theater, where he also led movement classes. He moved to Honolulu to be with his daughter and family, where he would live out (and, most likely, extend) his remaining years together with them. In 2021, he produced a wonderful autobiography, edited by his brother, to share his inspiring life story. A devoted grandfather and father, he was thrilled to be present at his two oldest grandchildren’s bar and bat mitzvah.

Herb was a joy to all who knew him. He always had a fascinating story to share, a clever remark or riddle, a sparkling smile, and an infectious laugh. He always wanted to be helpful and positive, and he never complained. He loved to share his wonderful tales of the theater or interesting events of the past. He was a treasured Dad, Grandpa, uncle, cousin, friend, and, in days gone by, nephew to his many beloved aunts and uncles. In recent years, he lit up the lives of his grandchildren daily with his kindness, unconditional love, and praise. He had a way of making his friends and loved ones feel special. He brought joy to all those around him. So many people cherished and adored him. He will be deeply missed and always loved.

Herb is survived by his brother Norm, daughter Janet, niece and nephews Ann, Dan, and Ted, and grandchildren Michael, Genevieve, Thomas, and James.