Herbert 'herb' E. Means

Herbert 'Herb' E. Means, 90, of Wethersfield, died peacefully on Wednesday, (September 24, 2008) at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 29, 1918 in New Woodstock, NY, a son of the late Rhesa and Amanda (Barkman) Means. He graduated from Penn State University in 1943 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He later received his master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1960. Herb worked at Pratt & Whitney for 44 years in various engineering positions prior to his retirement in 1987. In his retirement years, he continued his interest in automobiles as a driver for Hertz rental cars (until his 90th birthday). An avid golfer, he was a member of the Wethersfield Country Club since 1953. Herb also enjoyed following Penn State football through the years. Herb's many friends will miss the weekly gathering at Mitchell's Coffee Shop in Rocky Hill. He enjoyed a wonderful 90th birthday celebration this past summer with family and friends, where memories and stories were shared. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 53 years, Lorraine 'Laurie'(Badstuebner) Means; son Bruce Means and his wife, Paula of East Hartland, twin daughters Pamela Wilson and her husband, James, Patricia Gerarde and her husband, Thomas and a son, Todd Means, all of Wethersfield, along with nine grandchildren, Jeffrey, Kevin, Ashley, Eric, Keith, Anne, Amy, Matthew and Christopher. Herb also leaves his sister Mary Riffanacht and her husband, Harold of Tully, New York and brothers-in-law Ronald Badstuebner and his wife, Etta of Manchester and Frank Badstuebner and his wife, Carolyn of Vernon as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his five brothers, Sidney, Clifford, Richard, Merritt and Willis. At Herb's request, funeral services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, 80 Seymour St., P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102. Funeral arrangements by the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com