Herbert "Herbie" Minkin Obituary (1940 - 2023)

Herbert “Herbie” Evan Minkin, loving and beloved husband, father and friend, passed away July 17, 2023. Born in Columbus on July 13, 1940, to the late Joseph & Minnie Minkin, Herbie epitomized “can do”. Herb and wife Marilyn were an incredible team. It is not that they could not be excellent independently on the job, with family or with friends, it is just that they did all of those so incredibly well as a unit. They were a sight to see at work, out with friends or on the dance floor. In addition to Marilyn, Herb leaves behind loving kids, Mindy Hall, Matt (Becky) Minkin, cherished grandkids, Isabella & Nicholas and nephew, Keith. Herb was preceded in death by his brother Alvin & sister-in-law Sug, Aunt Yetta & Uncle Rudy, Aunt Sayde & Uncle Jack. Herb was a member of Agudas Achim Synagogue for over 70 years and boldly sang in the choir for many years. Herb started his career at The Union, where he honed his skills in leadership and Human Resources. Being a Human Resources professional was the perfect role for a man that worked tirelessly for every worker in a company while believing in each company for which he worked. This was displayed in spades throughout his 25-year career at Schottensteins (Value City) Department Stores, where he was not only an integral, driving force in the growth and culture-building of that company, but due to his expertise and relationships built within the Schottenstein family, his impact spread across many businesses and efforts. Herb grew up in Columbus and Bexley, making and keeping friendships - some for almost 80 years, as in the case of friend Ronnie. After being introduced to Marilyn by mutual friend Ina, Herb’s life really took shape. Together they worked hard, started a family, saved and began to enjoy one of their passions that took them through many decades – Ohio State sports, namely football and basketball. Solid friendships were made, family vacations to bowl games were enjoyed and a moniker was dubbed from a good friend they treated to multiple Saturday Buckeye football experiences – “Minkining'' meant getting to the Chinnici’s tailgate early, enjoying all the splendor of a Buckeye game, heading back to the house with the Buckinham’s, Chinnici’s and in some cases Janet (who dubbed the experience Minkining) & Jim O for drinks, then out to a fun celebratory dinner at such haunts as Cameron’s in Bexley or R.J. Snappers. Yes, one could say they celebrated a victory, but they were all really celebrating each other, the bonds they forged for each other and the next two generations that still keep in touch. Herb was bold and brought everyone else along on his ride.While Herb traveled a lot for work, special times with Mindy and Matt were in abundance. They would climb on their dad’s shoulders at the Aquamarine pool, get on the back of the riding mower to cruise while cutting grass, and provide massages by walking on his back. Times at Cummington Court were special. Not only as a family unit, but with friends in the neighborhood, with one of the highlights being the annual invitation to spend Christmas morning with the Spence’s. An extra celebratory experience. Drives to visit family in Cleveland, Chicago and Milwaukee were all filled with music (mostly Barry Manilow, The Carpenters), playing geography and of course, the occasional shrug of Herb’s shoulders, which indicated a “need” for a shoulder massage. Herb and Marilyn loved to eat out. Their Friday night dinners that started at Casa Gallardo, moved to the Olive Garden and hit their peak when they began weekly dates at 55 on the Blvd. The consistency and dare we say anal-retentiveness that defined Herb, drove this well-known tradition. Even when for example, before Matt would go out with friends on a Friday, he would sometimes stop by 55 for a drink or visit with them and one of their special servers (first Doug, then Connie), knowing they would be there. Connections such as these would last, as evidence by the most popular sandwich at Doug’s deli, The Bermuda Onion, being named the Minkin Marvel or for years even after 55 dinners turned into Bexley’s Monk and The Top, Connie would celebrate his birthday by shipping in a lobster and having a chocolate bomb (from Pistacia Vera) delivered. Herb’s hard work paid off as he was able to retire with Marilyn in time to write a whole new chapter together. They enjoyed golf (and Herb with the guys), and found another wonderful community at Punta Rassa in Fort Myers, FL. While the view was spectacular, the beauty in this place was the people they met and friendships created. For over 20 years Herb & Marilyn spent time at Punta Rassa and loved every sunset. Even once Herb was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, over 15 years ago, life continued. Marilyn was diligent about ensuring the intense, disease-slowing exercises that kept Parkinson’s at bay for years were never missed. Once it was clear that the Parkinson’s was taking hold, Herb and Marilyn partnered for another key decision – move back to Columbus to be around family. And, with that move they found another strong and supportive community at Wesley Woods. Throughout his life, Herb has found people that would do anything for him …. Maybe because he would do anything for them. Of the legacies he leaves including leading a strong and loving family, becoming a successful executive with integrity, having a can-do attitude in any circumstance, the ability to find wonderful people and enjoy them might be his most salient. Herb will be missed. Herb will live through all the family, friends and coworkers he has touched. Graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM on July 19, 2023 at Agudas Achim Cemetery, 2565 Performance Way. Shiva will be Wednesday, July 19th from 6:00-8:00 PM at the home of Matt & Becky Minkin. To honor and remember Herb, donations in his memory can be made to Wesley Hospice (www.lec.org/hearts-for-hospice) or Wesley Woods (www.lec.org/foundation/donate/wesley-general-donation) To watch on Zoom: www.tinyurl.com/Herbert-Minkin