Obituaries

Clifford (Cliff) A. Herbster, 76

March 09, 2025

Clifford (Cliff) A. Herbster, 76, of Willow Street, PA, passed away on Sunday, March 9th after a long battle with Parkinsons. His wife of 55 years, Joanne, was by his side.

Born in Upland, PA, Cliff graduated from Ridley High School. He became a dam(n) worker for the Philadelphia Electric Company/Exelon for 40 years. After retiring, he worked as a greeter for Darrenkamps in Willow Street, welcoming shoppers with a smile and his trademark fun ties.

Cliff was a volunteer firefighter with and lifetime member of the Upland Fire Company, and after moving to Quarryville, also served as a fire police volunteer. He enjoyed Civil War reenacting with the 95th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company D. He loved bowling, ghost hunting, and decorating for Halloween. Even though he jokingly say, “Bah Humbug” and loved all things Grinch, he was a beloved Santa for local events, and a well-loved Sensitive Santa for the Tommy Foundation for Autism and Related Conditions. An active member of Faith United Church of Christ in Lancaster, he was a member of choir and consistory.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother, H. Larry Herbster, two daughters Kimberly (Daniel) Shank and Karen (Jason) Rieker, and two of his favorite people: his granddaughters Abbie and Alaina Shank. He also has several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, H. Leroy, and Thelma (Brogan) Herbster and a brother, W. Donald Herbster.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster or Faith United Church of Christ.

Family and friends are invited to Faith United Church of Christ to celebrate Cliff’s life with a visitation on Friday, March 14 from 6-8pm, and again from 11:30am-12:30pm on Saturday, March 15. A service and luncheon at Faith UCC will immediately follow. There will be a private burial.

“Good night, God bless you, I love you, sleep tight, sweet dreams, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

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Condolences to the Family

March 15, 2025

Cliff was a very good Power Plant Operator, he made work fun. He had a pet name for each of the old generators at Conowingo Hydro Station. He was usually always upbeat and had a lighter way of looking at issues that made work situwations so much more bearable. His years running the Control Room will not ever be forgotton. His Operating knowlege and historical knowledge and interests were always appreciated. He will be very much missed.
Jeff Merryman

March 14, 2025

So sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing! Even though he graduated from Ridley he is an EHS Stoner thru and thru! Cliff, may the perpetual light shine upon your soul and may your family find consolation by remembering what made you so loving and special!!!!
BiLL Davis & Cheryl Davis

March 14, 2025

Karen and Kim, When words are hard to find to express the feelings of those of us who support you, know that you and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers at this most sad time. May God’s peace be with you.
Rodney Warfield

March 13, 2025

Sad to hear of his passing, sorry for your loss, thinking of you all and grateful for the time he shared with us in the Tommy Foundation as our sensitive Santa. He will forever be apart of our lives and his beautiful smile and warm spirit remembered for years to come.
Krista Fansler and family

March 12, 2025

I am Dan Kennedy, and I grew up in Upland with the Herbster family in Upland. As we matured, Cliff became involved along with several of us, with the Upland Fire Co. Those of us who are still around will always remember Cliff as a brother in the fire service and a fantastic human being. My wife Susan and I offer our sincere condolences and prayers to Joanne, Larry and all of Cliff’s family. RIP, brother.

March 12, 2025

Dear Herbster Family, we are so sorry for your profound loss. Cliff was so kind and had such a fun (and mischievous) twinkle in his eyes at all times. Shawn and I will be holding you in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
Rheanna & Shawn Cherinchak

March 12, 2025

Karen & family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad. May the memories you have with your Dad comfort you during this difficult time.
Amanda J

March 11, 2025

I’m so sorry, Kim. I’ve always loved seeing your family pictures and adventures that you share on Facebook. Your dad seemed like a dad everybody would want to have. I can’t imagine the utter sense of loss your family is feeling right now. I pray that you may all be comforted by the love you had/have for each other.
Connie Richard

Visitation: Friday, March 14, 2025; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Faith United Church of Christ; 1204 Wabank Rd.; Lancaster, PA
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Visitation: Saturday, March 15, 2025; 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM; Faith United Church of Christ; 1204 Wabank Rd.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, March 15, 2025; 12:30 PM; Faith United Church of Christ; 1204 Wabank Rd.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >