Herbert W. Harlow

December 21, 2021

Herbert W. Harlow, formerly of Chesapeake, VA, residing in Woodstock, VA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2021, at the age of 89. He was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to Roger and Mildred Harlow and moved to Portsmouth, VA. After a stint in the US Navy, he graduated from VPI, and later UVA and Rutgers University. Herb met Emeline Marlowe while they both taught at Cradock High School and married in June 1960. Herb spent his life in service to others by first helping his family as a young boy, serving the country in the Navy, and then by spending all of his working years in education in Portsmouth and Chesapeake. He served as a principal and an administrator until he retired. Herb belonged to the Cradock Lions Club for many years and often got his family involved in their activities. Herb lost his beloved Emmie in 1991 but continued to live on in the company of his three daughters, his grandchildren, and his many friends. He was fast with a joke or a word of encouragement. He was generous and kind. Herb loved to teach and help young minds learn. There was nothing better for Herb than being able to get out on the water and go fishing, or to bowl a pretty good game. He also enjoyed spending time in his garden over the years raising some beautiful tomatoes and crowder peas and even some collards and pumpkins along the way. He loved to watch Virginia Tech and Redskins football games. Herb also spent many years with his friends on the Cradock Reunion Committee who took many group trips together. Herb also enjoyed his membership in the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club for several years after his retirement. In later years, Herb enjoyed accompanying his daughters, sister, and friends to the various casinos to challenge his "golden horseshoe" up against the one-armed bandits. Herb was preceded in death by his beloved Emmie, his parents, and his sister, Shirley. Surviving Herb are his sister, Connie (Rick) Kumer of Virginia Beach; his three daughters, Laura Harlow of Stephens City, Caroline Harlow of Front Royal, and Joanne Cacho of Woodstock; five grandchildren, Christopher Cacho (Andrea), Melissa Poe (Lloyd), Ian Anderson, Robert Anderson, and William Anderson; and two great grandchildren, Lea and Edith Cacho. He is also survived by numerous beloved nephews, nieces, cousins and cherished friends. Herb will be missed by many whose lives he touched in so many ways. The family would like to thank the multitude of caregivers who served Herb at home, at Greenfield Assisted Living of Woodstock, and Skyline Terrace Nursing Home. At Herb's request in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cradock Lion's Club 40 Chatham Road, Portsmouth, Virginia 23702 or the American Diabetes Association. A graveside service will be held at 2pm Saturday, May 7th at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.