CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Herman J. Mosteller, Sr.

A winning smile, sparkling eyes and a warm hug were Herman’s signature traits. He had a rare gift for making others feel like family, because in his eyes everyone was unique and special.

Herman met a young Caroline McCloskey at a street dance in Beverly—a dance that changed his life forever. The two were subsequently married, a marriage that lasted for 69 years. They were blessed with 8 children: Ellen Sullivan (Joe), the late Carol Ann Mosteller Carr (Fritz), Herman Jr. (Kathleen), the late Stephen (Debbie), the late Mary Devine (Joe),

Polly Poujol (Keith), Amy Mullen (Dave), and Celeste Guest (Mike); 25 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

As a young man, Herman served in the US Navy. A Millwright by trade, he was also an expert welder. He spent over 20 years in law enforcement and was a Sergeant with the Burlington County Bridge Commission. He also worked for the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission for 12 years and retired in 2014.

Herman was a man of great faith—a faith that never wavered despite the loss of his beloved wife, Caroline, and three of his children, Carol, Stephen and Mary. His spiritual strength and stamina were nothing short of remarkable. He truly lived and believed that “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.”

Herman was ordained a deacon in 1977 by Bishop George W. Ahr at

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Trenton, NJ. He was deeply devoted to his church family and faithfully served his parish of St. Joseph and Jesus the Good Shepherd for over 42 years. He had a loving devotion to Our Blessed Mother and was inspired to develop a special “Thank You” Rosary, of which he went on to painstakingly hand make and distribute thousands. If you ever came into his home, no matter who you were or what faith you professed, rest assured you left with rosaries for you and your entire family.

Faith and family were the most important things in his life. He was a firm believer that family traditions were meant to be passed on from generation to generation. Some of his favorites were Memorial Day and 4th of July parades and picnics, Doughboys, Fresh Vegetables with his special Dill Dip, extra thin and crispy Pizzelles, and Poppy’s Famous Pumpkin Pies.

Herman will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. Entombment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Cinnaminson. A celebration of his life and a Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date.