Herbert Zwickel

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and brother, Herbert Zwickel. Herbert passed away on Thursday, October 9th, at the age of 96, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Herbert is survived by his sister, Rosalie Zucker, and children: Kenneth (Joanne ) Zwickel, Kathleen Zwickel, and Cynthia (Mark) Caban. He leaves behind ten grandchildren Angela Zwickel, Danielle Zwickel, Joshua Zwickel, Jessica Petersheim, Christopher O’Neill, Matthew O’Neill, Katrina Caban, Zachary Caban, Jacqueline Caban, and Isabella Caban; and 15 great-grandchildren Ambree, Aria, Brooke, Summer, Dawson, Dylan, Brittany, Destiny, Tony, Alivia, Sarah, Timothy, Lily, Evangeline, and Sean-who took care of his grandfather on a daily basis. As well as two great-great-grandchildren, Marcelo and Kenzo, and many nieces and nephews. Herbert was predeceased by his wife, Bertha; son, Daniel; and brothers, Abraham and Irving.

The son of Aaron and Norma Zwickel, Herbert was a long-time resident of Bloomingburg, New York. He treasured his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, across from the Boardwalk, and in Toms River, New Jersey, on a chicken farm, where he created many happy memories. He married his High School sweetheart, Bertha Versnel, in 1951, and they remained inseparable until her passing in 2023.

Herbert attended Rutgers University, Delaware University, and Eastern Mennonite Seminary, garnering degrees in the Sciences and Education, as well as a Master's in Animal Husbandry and one in Divinity. Herbert held a multitude of jobs throughout his life. He worked as an airman in Coney Island, a water-tower guard while attending college, and at Rutgers was even given a professorship in the sciences. He worked at Sloan Kettering, where he cared for various animals; with the State of New York at the Otisville Antitoxin Laboratory and Stables; and for Hoffman-LaRoche, performing drug studies. He later worked for Royal Heart Labs, at the Audubon Society, and the New York Aquarium. In his forties, his focus shifted somewhat. He sold Prudential Insurance for a while, taught the blind, and even ran for Supervisor of the Town of Mamakating.

His desire to help those in need became evident as he took a position with Bethany House in Virginia. He went on to secure a position with the American Board of Missions to the Jews as a pastor and missionary in Queens. He presented movies, such as The Hiding Place for Billy Graham, and even worked with the Gideons distributing Bibles. He also managed food banks in Toms River, New Jersey, and Middletown, NY. He eventually acquired property in Bloomingburg, New York, where he housed 70 individuals suffering from addiction. He introduced these individuals to Jesus and worked with each of them toward addiction recovery. The property was then converted into a church, Hurts Christian Assembly, that he pastored for many years. He would also host dinners and services for the elderly at Valley View Nursing Home.

Herbert was a faithful missionary who shared his love for Jesus with everyone he met. He loved spending time with his friends, family, and even strangers, whether it be studying and teaching, or traveling and fishing. He could often be found snacking on a raw onion, with a toothbrush in his shirt pocket, but most importantly, with a Bible Verse and a hymn ready to share at all times.

Dad, we love you and you will forever be in our hearts. We look forward to reuniting with you in Heaven someday!

Visitation hours will be held on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, from 1-2 p.m., with a service at 2 p.m. at the Circleville Church, 890 Goshen Turnpike, Circleville, NY. The burial will follow in the Circleville Cemetery.

Arrangements by Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home 845-343-6023 or www.ocfuneralhomes.com