Obituary of Herbert L. Shinn

Herbert Lewis Shinn, age 81, of Hopatcong, New Jersey, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, service, and love. Born on October 10, 1944, in Montclair, New Jersey, Herb was the beloved son of Herbert Sutton Shinn and Margaret Louise (Lewis) Shinn. Herb's life was defined by dedication — to his country, his family, his faith, and his work. After one year at Morehead University, he answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963. As a proud Vietnam-era veteran, he carried the values of duty, honor, and perseverance with him throughout his life. His military service remained a source of pride, and he was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the USS Manley Association, where he maintained lifelong connections with fellow servicemen. Following his service, Herb earned an Associates degree in Business Administration from County College of Morris and built a successful and respected career, rising to become Vice President of Sales at Aeroflex, Inc.. His leadership, integrity, and tireless work ethic earned him admiration from colleagues and clients alike. Above all, Herb was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemarie Shinn, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He was a proud and loving father to Michele Dietrich and her husband Grant Dietrich, and Janette Wilfling and her husband Richard Wilfling. Nothing brought him greater joy than being "Grandpa" to Samuel, Nicholas, and Joseph Dietrich, and Logan and Luke Wilfling. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Murphy; his niece Susan Montazez and her husband Edgar Montanez; their children Rachel, Rebecca, and Alexander Montenez; along with many other cherished nieces and nephews. Herb had a deep appreciation for life's simple and meaningful pleasures. He loved traveling with his family, spending treasured time with his grandchildren, antiquing, repairing and collecting clocks, solving puzzles and Sudoku, and reading. He had a patient, steady nature and a quiet wisdom that made others feel supported and understood. Whether carefully restoring a timepiece or offering thoughtful advice, Herb valued craftsmanship, curiosity, and connection. A faithful member of St. Michael's Church in Netcong, New Jersey, Herb lived his faith through kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. Herb's life was one of service — to his country, his community, and most importantly, his family. His steady presence, warm heart, and enduring love will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Herb's Life Celebration will include visiting hours on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael RC Church, Netcong, NJ. Interment will follow Mass at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, 225 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Herb's memory to St. Michael's Church Food Pantry.