Lawrence P Herbster

Lawrence Paul Herbster, age 71, passed away at home in the early hours of March 16, 2015. Larry was born in Scranton, PA November 14, 1943. He graduated from Scranton Preparatory School, received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Scranton and his master’s degree from New York University’s Stern Graduate School of Business. A dedicated sailor on his well-used Bristol 27, the Barnabas, Larry and his wife, Anne, made their home in Annapolis but he never lost touch with his roots in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Together, he and Anne often made trips back while living in and enjoying several other U.S. cities, finding life-long friends at every port. Larry retired from Nexstar Broadcasting as its Vice President and General Manger of WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre in 2000. He began his media career in 1967 with LIFE Magazine, TIME-LIFE Broadcast & Cable and TIME-LIFE Books in New York, where he and Anne met and married. Along the way, he worked in various positions for The Washington Post, WUSA-9 in Washington, DC and served as president of The Gannett Co., Inc. television stations in Oklahoma City, OK and Buffalo, NY. Prior to joining WBRE-TV, he was Vice President of Nexstar’s Rochester, NY CBS affiliate. After retirement, Larry spent several semesters at the University of Maryland sharpening the intellects and shaping the consciences of the next generation of American journalists, work of which he was extraordinarily proud. Larry was a member of the Annapolis Yacht Club and served its board of directors as treasurer for several years. He was a co-founder of the Annapolis Dragon Boat Foundation, benefiting survivors of breast cancer, and gave generously of his time to several other charitable organizations. Larry is survived by Anne Finsthwait Herbster, his loving wife of 41 years and his companion in all of life’s wonderful adventures. He is also survived by his uncle and aunt, Phillip and Catherine McDonnell, his cousins, Philip J. McDonnell, Dennis McDonnell, Adrienne McDonnell, Kevin McDonnell, David McDonnell, Lori McDonnell, Corinne Chavez and Carolyn Beckwith, all of California, as well as brother-in-law Frank Finsthwait and niece and nephew Elizabeth and W. Scott Finsthwait. He survived his parents, Paul Herbster and Margaret McDonnell Herbster, his uncle and aunt Larry and Ellen McDonnell, his cousin Douglas McDonnell, and was a caring nephew to his late aunt, Shirley McDonnell. He also leaves behind two beloved SPCA rescue dogs, Bentley and Barley. Larry will long be remembered by the many, many friends he brought together. The Herbsters’ home was always known for its gracious hospitality, good music, over-flowing cups, and conversation both intelligent and entertaining. His family will see friends at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, Inc. 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD on Friday evening, March 20th, from 7 to 9 PM , followed by a service at St. Mary’s Church 109 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD on Saturday morning at 10:30 AM. The family has asked that anyone wishing to make a donation in Larry’s name should consider the Scranton Prep Class of ’61 Joe Loughney Scholarship Fund or the Annapolis Dragon Boat Foundation.