Melvin Edward Herberger
1947-2025
Melvin “Mel” Edward Herberger, 78, passed September 21, 2025 at his home in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., after succumbing to a sudden battle with brain cancer.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mel was surrounded by his ‘girls’ (wife Carol, daughters Katie and Amanda, and loyal canines Winnie and Bella).
He is remembered for his unwavering generosity, steady presence, his smile, and the smile he instilled in everyone he encountered.
Born August 8, 1947, in Swormville, N.Y., Mel was the youngest child of Florence and Aloysius.
Mel excelled as a high school and college athlete, earning a teaching degree from Yankton College in South Dakota, where he met his love Carol- fusing ‘car-a-mel’ as their forever signature name.
Mel proudly answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps as an officer, First LT., leading his platoon during Vietnam. He served with distinction and earned the Bronze Star for Valor, attaining the rank of Capt. upon leaving.
In 1971, the “happy together” college sweethearts married- celebrating 54 years of marriage this summer.
Mel may have worn a tough exterior, but he was a teddy bear at heart- as every dog he ever owned and met can confirm. His quiet energy put people at ease, while his wit and charm could command a room.
Mel spent most of his life in the Town of Tonawanda, together with Carol raising their family- attending innumerable dance recitals (even once wearing a tutu… it was pink), softball games (occasionally correcting poor umping calls… from left field), and supporting school events over the years.
An ace at family euchre night, bowling, and tennis, Mel never took for granted the time he spent with his family and friends. A passion for skiing turned into golf and eventually fishing, while family camping and road trips became Mel’s signature getaways. Those closest to Mel were fortunate to experience his humorous and mischievous side. As a jokester and always the entertainer who ensured you’d crack a smile- a phone call to the house could put you in stitches if he answered… or leave you wondering if the line was still connected- especially if it was one of his daughters’ friends (80s/90s nostalgia). With his good-natured humor, just like his favorite sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,”… everybody loved Mel.
He was a loving husband, cherished father, and an adored grandpa. If he wasn’t wearing a US Marine t-shirt (“Not as lean, not as mean, but still a Marine”) or family vacation t-shirt, it was his go-to that read “My favorite people call me Grandpa.”
In a strategic move in 2014, Mel collaborated [schemed a plan] with his daughters to lock in a move with Carol to be closer to these favorite people. In West Virginia, Mel found deep peace at his new home, on his land, on a country road surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Though an avid hunter in his earlier retirement years, he soon befriended the deer that came to recognize his property as a safe haven- a testament to his gentleness and connection to the world around him… a place that is almost heaven. Many veterans carry the quiet weight of their service; memories shared only in silence among fellow service members who truly understand. Mel was not excluded. However, he found peace, friendship and camaraderie, pouring his energy into embracing the local community.
He was a life member of the American Legion Post 60, DAV, Moose Lodge 1483, and a faithful parishioner of Mount Olivet UMC, where he served many roles including trustee, chairman of the council, and member of the choir. Most notably, Mel was a proud board member of the VFW Post 4019 where he helped lead fundraising efforts for local school groups and for Hospice of the Panhandle- an amazing organization that, in his final months, weeks, and days, brought peace and comfort to Mel and his family- we are forever grateful to the Cacapon Team nurses, aids, and assistance members, family and friends, who supported our family through his final battle.
Mel is the beloved husband to Carol (nee Brumbaugh), cherished father to Katie (John) Prible and Amanda (fiancé Alex Hutton), and adored grandpa to Ella, Evan, and Owen (Prible); he is the beloved brother, survived by Judy Ross*, Faith (John) Ball, Noel (Geraldine), Niles*, and Joy (Jim) Jurek; and beloved brother-in-law to Tom (Maxine), Jane (Mark) Wentlent, John (Gretchen); and favorite uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews- all who will carry forward his humor, kindness, and example of service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Aloysius, *and loving brother-in-law Charlie Ross and sister-in-law Donna Herberger. Mel’s legacy lives on in the communities he served, the causes he championed, and the family he adored.
His life was a testament to the quiet courage, steady strength, and the ability to make others feel welcome… with a smile.
A memorial and remembrance service will be held at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on October 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception at the Risinger-Stotler VFW Post #4019 starting at 1 p.m.
Semper Fi
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mel’s name to one of the following organizations: Hospice of the Panhandle https://hospiceotp.org/donate/ · Glioblastoma Foundation https://www.glioblastoma foundation.org/get-involved/glioblastoma-research-donations
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.
