Herbert G. Elman, after almost 84 good years, died on May 9, 2026 in Poughkeepsie.
Herb grew up in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was the child of Solomon and Molly Elman, and younger brother to Irving. Herb studied engineering, ceramics and fine art at Pratt Institute where he met the love of his life Susan (Landau) Elman.
In 1965 they moved to the untamed wilds of Wappingers Falls where Herb took a position teaching art and ceramics with the WCSD at Van Wyck Junior High school. Herb spent 45 years teaching and supervising student teachers. As a teacher he loved being able to shape, and at times warp, young minds. He always enjoyed running into former students and catching up with them no matter where in the world he happened to be. After retiring, he and Sue traveled the world, reaching all 7 continents and enjoying many adventures along the way. From tropical beaches to Antarctic ice flows with penguins, mountain peaks, river cruises and castles, there was always another adventure being planned.
Herb was most proud of his family and the children he and Sue raised together, Matthew (Kathleen), Andrew (Dana), and Rachel. He took great joy bragging about the accomplishments of his kids, his seven grandchildren, Alexander (Michelle), Dylan (Breanna), Miranda, Spencer, Callie, Josh and Sarah, and two great-grandchildren to anyone who would listen.
He loved a family gathering of any size, only to complain about the noise and then remark on how quiet things were once everyone had gone. He never tired sharing his artwork and admiring the work of his children and grandchildren. He inspired all of us to pursue and enjoy the arts in any form. Herb was a man of lifelong friends; still in touch with many from his earliest days of teaching. He loved a good meal, whether homemade or dining out. Not just for the food, but to be able to spend time telling stories and being with those he cared about. There was always a place at the table for anyone who happened by. He loved to laugh with others, and was not above being laughed at when he deserved it. He is greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Family and friends will gather on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 18 at the funeral home. Family and friends are invited to start gathering at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Beacon Hebrew Alliance Cemetery, 274 Osborne Hill Road in Fishkill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of Wappingers Falls, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or Masque and Mime Scholarship Fund, 99 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
