Obituary of Herbert M. Ricords, III

Herbert Milton Ricords III November 27, 1933–April 13, 2023 (age 89) Herbert Milton Ricords III passed away in his home on April 13, 2023, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Born in Merchantville, New Jersey, to Herbert II and Margaret Ricords, he was the loving brother of Ann, Carole, and Richard and enjoyed many years of laughter with his siblings. They all shared stories of growing up and spending summers on Long Beach Island, NJ, at their parents’ beach cottage. From a young age, Herb was nicknamed “Sonny” to set him apart from his father, Herbert Jr. Herb graduated from The Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ, where he was an avid basketball player. One of his first jobs was as a bartender at the Surf City Hotel, and he graduated from Villanova College (University) in Villanova, PA, outside Philadelphia. Herb loved the Villanova Wildcats basketball team, whose games he attended throughout his life. Because of his strong Catholic faith, Herb joined the seminary for a time with the intention to become a Catholic priest. Although he eventually decided not to pursue that path, his faith remained a priority in his life. Herb attended Catholic mass every Sunday and all holy holidays. In the early 50s, Herb served in the United States Army stationed in Germany. He learned how to drive and fix a tank, taught English to German civilians, and traveled extensively across Europe during his time in service. After being discharged, Herb became an English teacher at Saint Theresa’s in New Cumberland, PA, before settling into a long-term career in sales. He worked for Appleton Electric for over forty years. In his spare time he was an avid golfer, basketball player, and coach for Saint Theresa’s eighth grade boys basketball team in the 80s. Herb led his hardworking team to several championships. He was also a regular donor to the nonprofit organization March of Dimes. By far the thing that mattered most to Herb was his family. Herb was a devoted single dad to eight rambunctious children who gave him untold joy—and also headaches. He was known to break up loud social gatherings in his home by saying, “The party’s over. Tell your friends to go home.” Herb deeply enjoyed taking his children to the Jersey shore, telling stories, and cooking for his kids and their friends. No one who visited the Ricords home ever left hungry. Herb and his siblings started a Thanksgiving tradition of having a “Fauxgiving” meal in October to ensure the entire family could get together annually. This meal was truly a highlight of the year and filled with laughter and good food. Herb also found deep satisfaction in watching his children grow up and start families of their own. By far his greatest joy was watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play in his backyard pool, which he spent hours a day maintaining. Herb’s entire family will carry these precious summertime memories in their hearts. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved sister Carole, and the mother of his children, Anna Louise Ricords. He is survived by his siblings Ann and Ritchie; his children Herbert IV (Amy), Kevin, Matthew (Chantha), David (Jaime), Daniel (Caroline), Rachael (his only daughter), John, and Andrew (Sara); his sixteen grandchildren (and another one on the way) Ashlie, Alana, Zac, Josiah, Claire, Peyton, Easton, Roman, Nadia, Ethan, Layla, Grant, Bridgette, Eamonn, Eugene, and Margaret; and his six great-grandchildren Vivian, Isabelle, Kieran, Hayley, Eleanora, and Herbert Milton Ricords V. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be donated through the funeral home to the Wounded Warriors Project. Dailey Funeral Home, 650 S 28th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103