Robert Herndon

A LEGEND IS GONE

Robert “Hondo” Herndon

February 16, 1935-November 10, 2022

You may have already heard the sad news, but for those who haven’t, Bob Herndon has died. He was 87.

Bob had many names:

Pelican Belly. Doctor Feel Good. Bubba. Honko. Bobby. Pop. Dad. Brother Hahn. But most knew him as Hondo, a name his high school buddies gave him after the character played by John Wayne.

In the words of our recently departed Patrick, Hondo was “a classic. They don’t make ‘em like that any more”.

A spot on description of the man forever in his uniform of khakis, button down, v neck sweater and loafers with argyle socks.

Hondo was good spirited, unique, fun loving guy. He cared about everybody and always had a kind word. He had a presence about him that resonated everywhere he went and those who knew him felt very lucky and blessed to be in his circle. A true gentlemen’s gentleman. Steady, reliable and always an optimist.

Hondo was born in Baltimore. The family then moved to live with family after his father died suddenly at the young age of 36. After his mother Lola, remarried, they eventually settled in Fair Haven. He was asked to leave Red Bank Catholic for refusing to snitch on a buddy for playing the piano without permission, and subsequently graduated from Rumson Fair Haven High School with the class of 1955.

Hondo then traveled in Europe for a year or so before enrolling at Niagara University, where he met his Italian beauty, Joan “JaJa” who would become his wife. They moved around a bit before settling with their three girls in Little Silver, in a home where everyone was made to feel like family. He lost his JaJa in 2007 after her fierce battle with cancer. A few years later, he met April who was a dedicated companion until the very end.

Hondo was an ice cream man, an executive and business owner before retiring from the NASDAQ. He was a Pocono Dope, Elwood J. Blues, a devout Catholic. He loved playing guitar, harmonica and ukulele and was a virtuoso on the spoons and washboard. He loved spending time with friends and family particularly if it involved a singalong. He was captain of the Nasdaq ski team and often said, “if I die on a mountain skiing, I’d die a happy man”. Hondo was a great cook and would eat anything. ANYTHING. A product of the Great Depression, he could never let a bit of food go to waste. He enjoyed scotch and loved to travel. He loved his cowboy hats and country music. Hondo was a true patriot.

So many fun memories. Here’s a small sampling:

- Performing with Frankie as the Blues Brothers in an Atlantic City casino, without the casino’s consent.

- At Shoprite in a scooter cart, taking out displays with his cane, giggling as he rode away from the mess.

- Singing “Scotch and Soda” whenever he came upon a live mic.

Dad died peacefully surrounded by those closest to him.

He was greeted in heaven by a parade of loved ones including his wife Joan (JaJa) Herndon, daughter Jessica Herndon, grandsons Robbie Rizzolo and Timothy Herndon Burke, parents Lola Applebee Herndon Hahn, Wesley Herndon, and stepdad Ken Hahn, sister Doris Dean, and brother Lee Herndon.

He leaves behind his companion April Purpora, daughters Valerie and Stefani Herndon, son in law Tim Burke, grandsons Michael Rizzolo and Desmond Herndon Burke, brother Lee Hahn and wife Millie, and brother Dennis Hahn.

A mass of christian burial will be held at the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven on Saturday November 19 at 10:30am.