Obituary of Rev. Herbert Edward Anderson

The Reverend Herbert Edward Anderson, 92, Pastor Emeritus of the Snyder Avenue Congregational Church in South Philadelphia, PA, where he served as senior pastor for more than 50 years, went home to be with his Savior on December 6, 2021. Previously he served as the Senior Pastor of the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Plymouth, PA (1955-1964). Reverend Anderson was born to Robert M. and Lucy May (Lenker) Anderson of Shamokin, PA on May 11, 1929. He was a resident of Garnet Valley (Boothwyn) for 44 years. Mr. Anderson chaired the Language Arts Departments of Concord High School (Wilmington, DE) and Delaware County Christian School (Newtown Square, PA) and then taught at DCCC (Media and Exton, PA), where he was honored with the Teaching Excellence Award in 2001.

He is survived by his beloved wife and dearest friend of more than 51 years, Sharon L. (Hedrick) Anderson, sons Scott D. Anderson and his wife Peggy of Dubois, PA, Robert R. Anderson and his wife Susan of Alburtis, PA, Jonathan E. Anderson and his wife Erika of Etters, PA, and Brian P. Anderson and his wife Karen of Wayne, PA and daughter Sherri M. Anderson of Garnet Valley, PA. As 'Papa' or 'Grandpa,' he was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. He was dearly loved and admired as a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, mentor, teacher/professor (students fondly referred to him as Happy Herb) and friend. His hobbies included memorizing and quoting Scripture and poems, gardening, football (Penn State), and theatre production. In summation, he lived a full life as a 'good and faithful servant.' He was predeceased by his parents Robert M. and Lucy M. Anderson and brothers Robert (Jack) Anderson, Roy Anderson, Scott Anderson, Daniel Anderson and sister Emily M. Anderson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday December 13th at the Snyder Avenue Congregational Church, 300 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:45-10:45 a.m at church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made either to SACC (300 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148) or Hope Church (720 MarshRoad, Wilmington, DE 19803). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.

To view the livestream, please CLICK HERE