erbert Frederick Rothwell was born on June 16, 1924 to George E. Rothwell and Zella M. Tyler in Concord, New Hampshire. He passed away in Largo, Florida on November 1, 2016 at the age of 92. In the 1950’s Herb moved his family to Florida. His warm and happy nature made him a delight to be around. He was the loving Father of five children and will be loved and missed forever. Herb is also survived by his girlfriend of 16 years Helen who cared for him very much.
Military History
Herb joined the United States Army on January 15, 1943 at the age of 18. Private First Class (PFC) Rothwell experienced combat in every major American campaign against the Germans in World War II. As a member of Battery B 486th Coast Artillery Battalion he was responsible for Antiaircraft Artillery. Herb fought against the German Army through Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, Central Europe and the infamous Battle of the Bulge and the frigid winter through the Ardennes Forest. This was the last effort by the German Army to hold off the Americans.
Military Decorations
At the end of the War Herb was eligible to wear the Army Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and the American Campaign Medal on his uniform.
Graveside Service and Military Honors
A graveside service to honor the life of Herbert F. Rothwell is scheduled for Friday, November 18, 2016 at 10:00 am at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Guests planning on attending should arrive at 9:30 am. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Marine Corps League Detachment 54 from Largo, Florida.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Dad’s not gone! He’s fishing with Paul at the camp in New Hampshire and raking leaves.
He’s with Grandsire, Nana, Fred and the rest of his family.
He’s in everything I see and everything I do.
He has found peace and there is joy.
Dear Herb, You being Wendy’s Uncle was nice but getting to know you for over 40 years and staying at your home in Florida and you staying at our home several times over the years meant the world to us! My daughters Otillie and Lindsay all loved you so much. You always had Wendy Me and the girls in stiches with your humor and we always had things to talk about, Especially our long talks about Your service to our Great country and your stories about being so close to the Germans on the other side of those hedge rows! You will always be one of my Favorite Heroes from WWII! We all miss you so much and look forward to the day when we will all see each other again. I am so lucky to have known you and we all Love you very very much! I know God is watching over you now and I pray everything with you is peaceful, I can see everyone in Heaven laughing at your jokes and smiles where ever you look there. Goodbye for now… Freddy
My favorite uncle and my Mom’s favorite brother. My Mom would tell me how going up, Herbie never complained when she would tag along and he always protected her. I loved Herbie’s fun loving attitude. He could always make you laugh. He was a hard worker. On his vacation he would stack wood and mow the lawn for my Mom, and stack wood, pick apples and make apple cider with Freddy and me. He did not like be idle and welcomed the work. I miss making dark chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting for him to take to camp with Paul. You could see glimpses of his inner child when his eyes would grow big as saucers at the cupcakes. I miss you and hope you will be there to meet and welcome me when my time comes. I know you’re in heaven continuing to take care of my Mom.