Herbert Boess, age 79, of Holland died Thursday, April 21, 2016 at his residence. He suffered a seven year long debilitating disease of Alzheimer & Parkinson. He took his fate with courage & dignity, never complaining for a moment. As in life, so in death, he was an inspiration to us all.

Herb & Helene, his wife, celebrated a 54 year long marriage, leaving the family with many cherished memories.

Born in Hunsdorf, Slovakia, Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Julius & Elizabeth Reptschek Boess, & his two brothers, Erhardt & Julius Boess. Herb is survived by his wife Helene, his daughter Heidi, his 2 grandsons Austen & Alexander & his two sisters-in-law, Marian Boess Winter, & Heddy Boess & their families.

Along with his parents & brothers, Herbert left his birthplace, Slovakia, during World War II. The family fled to Austria & Germany where he spent his youth. At the age of 17, he reached America along with his parents joining his aunts & brothers who had preceded him for several years.

He worked as a draftsman at Stokes in Phila. & later graduated Spring Garden College, Magna Cum Laude, with a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Herb immediately accepted a position upon graduation with United Engineers in Philadelphia which eventually became Raytheon where he remained until his retirement.

He was a tennis & ski enthusiast & a long time member of Mill Creek Tennis Club. Herb played the organ in Germany in church, was an accomplished pianist & enjoyed opera & classical music. He loved watching the Flyers & above all followed his grandson Austen’s sporting events, especially soccer.

A special thank you for his care goes to Dr. Lisgar & Dr. Mazlin who helped us throughout this difficult time. The nurses at Arcadia & Compassionate Care were invaluable to us.

Relatives & friends are invited to attend his viewing on Tuesday, April 26th, 2016, from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA 18966. His interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.