MOUNT VERNON – Robert Herald, 95, of Mount Vernon passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, surrounded by his loving family in his home of 67 years. He was born on Sept. 13, 1926, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Frieda and Arthur Herald.
Robert enlisted in the Coast Guard at the age of 17 in 1943 and served as a boiler room water tender. After his service in World War II, he made use of the GI Bill and studied electronics at Purdue University. In 1950, he was called back to service in the Navy, serving in the Korean War as an electronic technician (communications) onboard the USS Edmonds DE-406.
In between his service in WWII and the Korean War, he met Margie Engle, a young professional accountant, at a dance at the Catholic Youth Organization in Indianapolis. In 1949, they were married and later moved to Mt. Vernon when Bob was hired by WMVO as an onsite engineer.
In 1952, when the radio station was robbed, leaving everyone unemployed, Bob decided to use his talents in electronics and started his own business, The Video Shop. He serviced televisions and installed antennas for the new era of television and later expanded into TV and appliance sales. In 1991, he sold his business to his son, Phil Herald, which is now known as Herald’s Appliances & Electronics, Inc.
Robert was preceded in death by his four brothers, William, Thomas, Joseph and Larry; and one sister, Mary Lou. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Margie Herald; daughter, Jenny Grinstead (William-dec.) of Mount Vernon; son, Chris Herald (Marion) of Golden, Co; son, Phillip Herald (Dina) of Mount Vernon; daughter, Amy Giampaolo (Vince) of Richmond, Va.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister, Agnes Benken of Lebanon, In.; sister-in-law, Mary Herald of Indianapolis, In.; and brother-in-law, Dale Zapp of Greenwood, In.
Robert loved the outdoors and physical activity. He was a jogger, an avid hiker and member of the Sub Alpine hiking club. He loved to kayak and canoe down the Kokosing River with his friends and family, teaching all of his family how to navigate a canoe and appreciate the great outdoors. He was a member of the YMCA where he swam, played handball and relaxed at the Health Club.
Bob, known as Captain Video, knew the country roads by heart, making service calls and installing antenna towers to people all over the county for 60 years. He was as passionate about his family as he was his work, making sure he was home for dinner at 6 p.m. to eat with his wife and children every night. Robert was well known by many in the community for his keen sense of humor and the kindness of his heart.
The family is very grateful to Dr. Elder and Hospice of North Central Ohio for their end of life care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Kokosing Gap Trail or Hospice of North Central Ohio. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in November, date to be determined. Bob’s friends and family are encouraged to visit Snyder Funeral Homes website for a photo display and to leave any comments and remembrances.
The Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon are honored to serve the family of Robert Herald.
