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Herbert “Herb” Hungerford, a custodian with the Supreme Court of Ohio's Housekeeping and Grounds, is remembered by colleagues and friends as an unassuming and caring man. Herb died suddenly Oct. 12. He was 63.
He served four years in the United States Navy and received a Vietnam Expeditionary Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Those who knew Herb described him as a quiet, humble person who they never heard say a negative thing about anyone.
Herb had a long work history with experience as a welder, building supervisor, and janitor, but he always dreamed of starting his own cleaning business and was always looking in the newspaper for a van to start that business, said Tony Harrington, a Court maintenance mechanic.
Harrington and Court grounds worker Curtis Tatum, who both started with the Court shortly before Herb and considered him a good friend, said Herb was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back.
“He taught me a lot about character … how to treat people with class and dignity,” Tatum said. “He would say, ‘Don't let no one take your smile from you.'”
“He told me one time, ‘You work for the Lord, and take pride in anything you do, no matter what it is.' He was very compassionate. If you had a beef with Herb, you had a problem with life.”
His easygoing and hardworking nature was evident from his first day on the job in December 2003, said Vikkie Wilson, meeting & events coordinator, who was his supervisor at the time.
Herb, who was among the Court's first custodians, spent that entire day cleaning the Grand Concourse of the Ohio Judicial Center in preparation for the Supreme Court's employee holiday gala, which would be the first in the new building.
“We hadn't even moved into the building yet; it was still under construction,” Wilson said. “There was dust everywhere, and he had to mop the entire Grand Concourse, clean all the restrooms, set up the tables and chairs. I thought, ‘This man is never coming back,' but he did. He was a very hard worker, a very unassuming man.”
That Christmas, Herb gave Wilson a Christmas cactus, which she tended to for years until recently when it died. Noticing that the cactus was gone, Herb had brought Wilson two new plants just this past Monday to take its place with a note that said, “Two more plants for you to enjoy.”
Herb's dedication to the Ohio Judicial Center and to doing good work was evident to those around him, said Supreme Court of Ohio Administrative Director Steven C. Hollon.
“Herb was a gentle soul with a soft and pleasant voice. However, his quiet nature belied his dedication to his job and his commitment to providing great service to the Court. He will be sorely missed,” Hollon said.
Faith was important to Herb, who talked regularly about being a Christian, said good friend Stanley Landrum, the Court's dockmaster.
“He and I kind of hooked up on the basis of knowing each other as Christians,” Landrum said. “We spent many times talking about life and generalities.”
Herb enjoyed cooking and he and Landrum also would share recipes, Landrum said.
Tatum said Herb raised his son, Herb Jr., by himself after his wife, Sylvia, passed away at a very young age. He never remarried.
“He was a beautiful father, a beautiful grandfather,” Tatum said. “He was so sweet. He was a sweet natured guy. He loved his family. He was dedicated to his family. He's a shining example of how a human being is supposed to live his life. “
A native of Grindstone, Penn., Herb often visited Pittsburgh and was an avid Steelers fan.
“We'd tease each other, because I'm a Browns fan,” Landrum said.
Landrum said he is sad that more people at the Court didn't get to know Herb, who he said was very humble.
“He kept a low profile,” he said. “I'm glad that Herb was sent my way to meet him and know him. I thank God that I was considered to be one of his friends. I am going to miss him.”
Herb was one of 14 brothers and sisters. He is survived by 11 brothers and sisters and his son, Herb Jr., and two grandsons. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia, whom he had known since the second grade; his parents and two siblings. He will be buried in Lafayette Cemetery in Uniontown, Penn.