Herbert H. Wishengrad

Herbert H. Wishengrad, 86 of Whitehouse Station, NJ passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2022 surrounded by his wife Carole as well as daughters Cheryl and Diane after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.

Herb was born in Manhattan and grew up on St. Mark’s Place. His fondest memories as a youth were spending time with his parents Emma and David, brothers Martin and Alvin, and friends at the local Boys Club. Following high school, Herb served in the Army National Guard from 1953 to 1965—discharged as a Captain and served as an artillery officer. While serving, Herb met Carole Woodman on a blind date who was attending nursing school, and they married at Avalon Caterers in 1958. They began their life together living in the Bronx, Binghamton, Syracuse, and Queens, but settled on Trent Street in Staten Island with their daughters for 16 years—developing lifetime friendships. In 1979, they moved to NJ and lived in Ho-Ho-Kus for 20 years.

Herb’s family was his top priority as he cheered on his wife in her nursing and teaching professions in addition to his daughters and grandchildren throughout their education and careers, at sporting events, concerts, dance recitals, plays, and just playing in the pool and pond. One of his true joys was exploring the world. Herb and Carole planned trips for their family to travel together throughout the USA to visit amusement parks, baseball games, beaches, and historical sights. In addition, Herb and Carole visited all continents by flight and cruise ship—documenting their memorable experiences with amazing photography. Each year often culminated with Herb and Carole hosting Thanksgiving with the extended family followed by dinner and a Broadway musical with their immediate family in December.

Professionally, Herb started in finance with General Electric Credit, but for most of his career, Herb owned and operated several manufacturing businesses that produced yogurt cups, paper containers, sheds, and disposable baby diapers in New York, New Jersey, and Germany. With restaurant dining and watching baseball as his favorite pastimes, Herb was a partner in the original Bouley Restaurant and owned a minor league New York Mets Single A baseball team in Shelby later Columbia, SC in the 1980s.

Herb’s baseball relationships started with Bruce Morrison who was like a son and played for Wichita State. For years, Herb also mentored other players as they moved up the ladder from Wichita State and various MLB farm teams.

Herb leaves behind his beloved wife Carole of 63 years; daughter Diane Wilson and her husband Robert; daughter Cheryl Follmer and her late husband Jonathan Sr.; four grandchildren—Jonathan Follmer Jr. and his wife Allison, Hilary Tomlinson and her husband Owen, Evan Wilson, and Rachael Follmer; great-grandson Theo Follmer; an extended family of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins along with many friends, neighbors, business associates, and baseball colleagues.

A celebration of Herb's life and faith will take place at Becker Funeral Home located at 219 Kinderkamack Road in Westwood, NJ on Sunday, January 30th at 12:30 PM which will be livestreamed. Afterward, interment will be at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Herb’s name to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. www.bgca.org

Herb’s Livestream Link: https://jhuapl.zoomgov.com/j/1606239121?pwd=aHNNVjVCMkxRRlJsS0grWjJZTmhTUT09