Date of death: 5/12/2016
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1954
George Andrew Herold never wavered in his selflessness, integrity, belief in God, and devotion to his family. For 56 years he and his wife, Maria, celebrated a love that began when they met at a Newman Club event in Santa Barbara; the young soldier was on his way to service in Korea and the young woman was a recent arrival to California from her native Switzerland. They conducted a romance by correspondence, during which he proposed. They were married at the Old Mission on August 3, 1953, and later became longtime parishioners at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.As an English literature teacher, first at San Marcos High School and then at Santa Barbara High, George was known for his dry wit; among his six children, his wordplay was a never-ending source of delight. Upon his retirement he returned to an early interest in art, setting up a home studio in which he created plein-air landscapes and ink renderings of his and Maria’s travels in Europe and Canada, turning the latter into Christmas cards that were treasured by all.He would rise at the crack of dawn to make golf reservations at Santa Barbara Golf Club, where he enjoyed regular rounds with several of his children. And with those of his family who shared his passion for art and for teaching he was a gracious cheering section. He and Maria participated in many charities, including Meals on Wheels, and were active supporters of the Catholic schools their children and grandchildren attended. He will also be missed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where he attended daily Mass and served as a sacristan.Born in Lima, Ohio, George was raised in Indiana, where he attended St. Meinrad Seminary. He received his bachelor?s at Arizona State University and completed postgraduate work at UCSB. He also took a year off from teaching to study at Brooks Institute, using his beloved children as models for his photography.He is preceded in death by Maria and survived by his children Ann Herold, of Los Angeles; Matthew Herold, of Santa Barbara; Christina DaRos (Peter), of Santa Barbara; Mark Herold (Mary), of Templeton, Monica Christensen (Eric), of Tucson, and Joseph Herold (Dianna), of Templeton; daughter of his heart Kathleen Gale (Ernie), of Tucson; grandchildren Katie O’Toole, Rachel and Marianna DaRos, Zoe Herold, Karl Christensen, Luke, Erin, and Marissa Herold, and great-grandchildren Gabby and Alexis Herold.