Herbert Joseph Itzla
Beloved Father and Grandfather, 94
On March 5, 2023, Herbert Joseph Itzla of The Bronx, NY, passed away peacefully in
North Easton, MA, where he was living with his daughter and son-in-law. He was 94
years old.
Herb was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy (née Hangs), and his brother,
William Itzla. He is survived by his loving children: Richard Itzla and his wife Patricia
(née Restivo Gouskos), Paul Itzla and his wife Elizabeth (née Pinto), Margaret Duffy
(née Itzla) and her husband Timothy, and Robert Itzla and his wife Amy (née Spivak).
He was Grandpa to his cherished grandchildren: Lauren Itzla, Stephen Itzla, Nicholas
Duffy, Kristen Itzla, Michael Itzla, Alexander Duffy, Katherine Duffy, Emma Itzla, and
Andrew Itzla. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joan Itzla, and many nieces and
nephews. Herb enjoyed the companionship of Peggy Furfaro for several years prior to
her passing in 2020.
Herb was born in The Bronx on September 11, 1928, to Herman and Margaret Itzla (née
Fiederlien). Herb grew up in The Bronx, attending Samuel Gompers High School. He
worked as an auto mechanic until joining the Army in 1950. Following his honorable
discharge, he graduated from the Academy of Aeronautics in Queens, NY. Herb met
Dorothy at a roller rink in Mount Vernon, NY. They married in 1955 and started a family.
He worked for thirty years as a diesel mechanic for the NYC Department of Sanitation.
Herb was kind, generous and loving. He and Dorothy, who he lovingly called Dot, were
married for almost 43 years, until her passing in 1998. Nothing was more important to
him than his family. He spent as much time as possible with his children and
grandchildren, whether celebrating milestones, vacationing in Montauk, or helping with
projects as the family’s on-call handyman. This could be proven by the miles he was
proud to rack up on his odometer, logging over 200,000 miles on multiple cars. Herb
was always available, day or night, to help friends and family with anything they needed,
from house moves to car trouble, and everything in between. If a situation required
mechanical expertise, muscle, or just company, he was the man. He was always eager
to help and could always be counted on. His automotive knowledge and diligent reading
of Consumer Reports made him the best weapon for anyone negotiating a car deal.
Herb was a lifelong learner and history buff. He was a voracious reader of non-fiction
books, especially about world history, and loved any program on The History Channel.
He loved traveling to new places, both in Europe and in the U.S. He enjoyed ballroom
dancing and attended many social events where he showed off his moves. He also
attended many Broadway plays and musicals over the years. Herb enjoyed listening to
different genres of music, from big band to country. He was the favorite person to all the
“woofers” in the family, as he called them, since he was always prepared with dog treats
in his pocket. He loved trips to the Bronx Zoo and the tradition of the whole family
spending a summer day at Rye Playland. He cherished spending time with his family in
Montauk, NY, at the Little Pink House. Montauk was an important part of Herb’s life
starting in the late 1950’s and his family will continue making memories there with him in
their thoughts.
Herb loved to tell stories and had many of them. His family was always an enthusiastic
audience and treasured time spent hearing him tell detailed stories from throughout his
life, sharing his knowledge of historical events, and providing explanations of how things
work. His family appreciated his talent for selecting the most thoughtful and fitting
greeting cards for special occasions.
Herb lived a full, long, and healthy life. He was a wonderful husband, father,
grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was a very special man and the best role model for
his children and grandchildren. He lived his life with integrity, honor, humanity, and
generosity.
We will cherish all our wonderful memories as a blessing.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those wishing to express sympathy make a
donation to the charity of their choice in Herb’s name.