Herman A. Erbacher

Herman A. Erbacher, 93, passed away on August 6, 2026 on Hilton Head Island. His death happened within a few months of his wife, Arlene. They had been married for seventy years and Hermann missed her terribly. The official cause of death was respiratory failure, but in truth, he died from a broken heart.

Arlene and Herman met as teenagers in their church youth group in their hometown of Glendale, Queens, New York. They both attended Richmond Hill High School, where Arlene was a cheerleader and Herman tutored her in algebra.

Their young relationship was tested when Herman spent 18 months in France serving in the US Army. True love prevailed and they were married upon his return in 1955. The newlyweds soon embarked on a new life when they moved to Indiana where Herman graduated from Valparaiso University before returning home to Glendale to raise a family.

After earning an MS in Civil Engineering at NYU, Herman enjoyed a long career in military aircraft design at Grumman Corporation. He was well respected as a colleague and boss. He retired from his position of Director of Special Projects in 1995. At retirement, he stopped playing tennis when he could no longer defeat his co-workers who were thirty years younger than him.

Herman was known for his boundless energy level which included fun activities like shooting pool and playing ping pong in his basement rec room with his neighbors and children. The rec room also had a wood shop where Herman designed and produced patio furniture and small tables. He also made delicious pickles grown from the cucumbers in his garden.

After many years on Long Island, Herman and Arlene retired to South Carolina to be closer to their children. They were truly devoted to each other and had a lively social life in Sun City that included ballroom dancing and lots of ocean cruises.

Herman is survived by daughter, Darlayne Glesias, and son, Kurt Erbacher (Catherine), and Herman’s sister, Emma Kostyshyn, as well as many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Herman is predeceased by daughter, Donna Lane, and son-in-law Rick Glesias.

A memorial service for both Herman and Arlene will be held Wednesday, September 23rd at 11 AM at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 351 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC 29910.