June was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 19,1935 to the late Gertrude Weisenstein Matragna and James Alexander. Her family moved in the 1940’s to Westbrook Connecticut to be closer to her mother’s family. June spent her early years on the Connecticut shoreline where she made lasting friendships and connections with cousins and her extended family whom she remained close with throughout her entire life. June was an exceptional scholar and athlete at Morgan High School. She was an avid reader who was self-taught and self-motivated. Her creativity and curiosity knew no bounds.
She worked to help her husband Bob establish Clinton Sanitation. She was vital to the business as she acted as bookkeeper. After raising a family of five children, June enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University to pursue her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. After attending seven years part time, she graduated alongside her son and daughter in law in 1974.
She served the Clinton Public School system for 25 years as both as a kindergarten teacher and a reading consultant. She was highly respected in the educational community and helped countless children realize their potential, always being a consummate advocate for children. She was recognized for her many contributions to the Clinton Public Schools.
Following retirement June enjoyed traveling with her husband Bob to Ireland, and Alaska with frequent trips to visit her family in California, and Louisiana. Additionally, she enjoyed hosting backyard barbeques at the pool and many holiday dinners.
In addition to her parents, June was predeceased by her husband John Robert Herbst who she was married to for 46 years. June is survived by her five children Michael Herbst (Deborah) of Trumbull CT, Elizabeth Herbst of Guilford CT, Barbara Alaimo of Salem CT, June Herbst Biondi of Waterbury, and John R. Herbst Jr. of Clinton CT
In addition to her children June is survived by 8 grandchildren. Timothy Michael Herbst (Jacqueline) of Branford CT, Amanda Jablon (Jesse) of Orange CT, Rebekkah Barrett of Guilford CT, Hannah Meyer of Ivoryton CT, Mark Snow (Anthony) of Middletown CT. Krystal Bourne (Steve) of East Haddam CT, James Biondi (Amanda) of Clinton, CT and Angelina Herbst of Clinton, CT.
She was also blessed with 8 great grandchildren who will miss her dearly. James, Oliver, Trinity,
Miranda, Jacob, Lila, Michael, Sonny, and Angelina.
June’s surviving siblings include Robert Matranga (Elaine) of Newport Beach, California Evelyn Talley of Jena, Louisiana, Gail Brickner of Orange, California, Gregory Matranga (Patricia) of Yorba Linda California and Douglas Matranga (Melinda) of Laguna, California.
Additionally, June is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9-11 A.M. at the First Church of Christ, Congregational 55 Church Road Clinton, CT. Funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 A.M, with Reverend Marty Gibbs officiating. Interment at Indian River Cemetery, Cemetery Rd. (adjacent to the church)
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