- Date Of Birth: April 28, 1931
- Date Of Death: August 26, 2022
- State: Virginia
Vice Admiral Albert Joseph Herberger (United State Navy Retired) passed away peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2022 in Potomac Falls, VA. Albert was born in Albany, New York on April 28,1931. He graduated in 1949 from the Vincentian Institute, a Roman Catholic high school in Albany, NY.
He attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York, and sailed as a Merchant Marine with both Grace Lines and US Lines. He was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy upon graduation from Kings Point, in February 1955. That same month, he married his beloved high school sweetheart Rosemary C. Blair. They were married 48 years, prior to her passing in 2003.
He served in the Navy for 35 years. If prompted, he would share great stories of his extensive sea voyages. One favorite of his grandchildren, was his narrative about pirates unwisely attempting to board a US Navy ship under his command in the Straits of Malacca. He was the first United States Merchant Marine Academy graduate to attain the rank of Vice Admiral.
After retirement, he served as Administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation from 1993 until 1997. After MARAD, Admiral Herberger served as an industry consultant for many years, and co-authored a book (Global Reach) on the important role of US flagged commercial vessels in support of the US military.
Admiral Herberger received numerous accolades throughout his military and civilian service. He was humbled with gratitude and proud to serve his country. He led by example, was generous, extremely thoughtful of others (even in his final days), loved Irish parades and family beach vacations with an abundance of morning donuts and famous ice cream sundaes. He loved life but loved his family more, and will be forever missed.
Survived by his four children, Jeffrey Herberger, Mary Terese Young, Bethann Craft and Jon Herberger; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. His family extends its heartfelt thanks for the care and kindness of TheKey Homecare.
