Herbert Matthias Then

Herbert Matthias Then of Kinnelon, NJ, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, May 24th, two days shy of his 89th birthday. Herb was born in Newark, NJ on the 26th of May, 1931, to Robert and Philomena (nee Muller), a year after they immigrated from Wernfeld, Germany. Residing in Roseland, NJ, he was the eldest of their four sons. Herb graduated from Roseland High School in 1949. Following his life-long passion for technology, he went on to work for Kay Elemetrics (originally Kay Electric Co.), in Pine Brook, and later in Lincoln Park. He would spend his entire career working with Kay Elemetrics, eventually overseeing all of their Quality Control on such innovations as the Sono-Graph, which continues to be acclaimed for its cutting-edge capabilities in the fields of bioacoustics, linguistics, speech pathology, and forensics. While employed with Kay, Herb earned his Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. He would continue his education throughout his career, earning further credentials in computer circuitry. Herb was renowned for his love of the outdoors, particularly long-distance bicycle riding, hiking, rowing, paddle tennis and swimming. He was a committed gardener who loved to tend his lawn, trees, flowers, and especially his bountiful vegetable garden. He also had a lifelong love of German sports cars, particularly his Porsche and his Karmann Ghia. An active member of the community, he volunteered with the Morris County Parks Commission to maintain several trails, and he served on the Board of Directors with the Deer Lake Club in Boonton. He was a dedicated parishioner at Our Lady of the Magnificat Church in Fayson Lakes. Herb loved the bustle and romance of New York City. This essay he wrote was published in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary on October 19th, 1998: "Dear Diary: A recent pleasant day at noon. I sat on a bench facing the Hudson River at Battery Park City. As I unwrapped my sandwich, a bird, chirping loudly landed on the railing in front of me. I threw a small portion of focaccia to the pavement. The bird approached it, pecked at the morsel several times and flew away. I continued eating, offended that my gourmet sandwich was seemingly not good enough for this sparrow. A moment later, the same bird returned with its baby, barely old enough to fly. The mother bird proceeded to pull small pieces from the morsel and place them in the young birds open beak, feeding the baby before helping herself. Then, apparently satisfied, the two flew away. A male sparrow, who had been watching from the sidelines, then felt entitled to come over and help himself to what was left. It was a delicious noon meal for all of us." Most importantly, Herb was a devoted family man. Like the papa bird in his story, he always enjoyed what was left after making sure everyone he loved was taken care of first. He is survived by his dear wife of 56 years, Ann Kathryn (nee Creeden), brothers Karl and Robert, as well as by his beloved family members: daughter Linda Then, daughter Susan Prediger and her husband Armin, daughter Julia Carpico and her husband Brad, and his four cherished grandsons, Max and Milo Prediger and Nicholas and Christian Carpico. He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Philomena and his brother Roland. Herb, adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, father-in-law and dear friend to so many, will be remembered always in our hearts for sharing his passions and interests with everyone he met, for his ever-present quirky and playful sense of humor, and the irrepressible energy and passion he brought to everything he did. He will remain a source of love, joy, kindness, laughter and inspiration to more people than he would ever have imagined. Prost, Pop. Rest in Peace. Covid-19 restrictions are preventing us from gathering for a memorial service at this time, but his family and friends are already celebrating his life from wherever we are. We will announce a gathering for a celebration of Herbs life at a later date. Donations may be made to the Morris Parks Alliance in lieu of flowers. https://www.morrisparks.net/index.php/supporters/the-park-alliance