Herbert Lester Tobey, 77, of Claremont, NH passed away March 12 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born January 6, 1938 to Lester and Dorothy (Block) Tobey in Wells, Maine and grew up in Concord, NH and Barre, VT. A 1956 graduate of Montpelier High School and a 1960 graduate of Clarkson College in Potsdam, NY, where he met lifelong friends and was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He went on to become a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army in Darmstadt, Germany.

 Herb worked for Taylor Instrument and Xerox Corporation, in Rochester, NY before moving to Claremont, NH to become an executive at Cross Baking Company. He recently retired as a broker for Barrell Investment Group.

 Herb was a member of Claremont Kiwanis for over 20 years where he also served as president.  He was active in the First Congregational Church where he served as a Trustee for many years. With his love for the trumpet, Herb often played taps at military funerals across New England and Eastern New York, recently joining Buglers Across America. He enjoyed boating, fishing, travel, cards and being involved in all of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Herb also loved basketball and never lost touch with his high school teammates.  He also coached in the military, and eventually coached all three kids in local rec leagues.  One of the greatest therapies during his illness was watching college basketball with his children and grandchildren.

 His greatest love was his family.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, his high school sweetheart Jean (Edson) and their three children, Sharon Tobey Miller (married to Brian Miller), Brian N. Tobey (married to Lisa Blanchard Tobey), and David E. Tobey (married to Amy Sill Tobey) and 8 grandchildren, Tobey Miller, Heidi Miller, and Clara Miller, Alexander Tobey, Nicholas Tobey, and Margaret Tobey, Isabel Tobey and William Tobey; his brother, Jack Tobey and his wife Betty Tobey of Franklin, NH as well may cousins, nieces and nephews.  Herb and Jean brought the entire family and friends together for vacation at Lake Sunapee each summer.  

 Calling hours will be 5 to 7 PM Friday, March 20^th at Stringer Funeral Home 146 Broad Street, Claremont. 

Funeral Services will be held at the First Congregational Church, on Pleasant Street in Claremont on Saturday morning March 21^st at 11:00AM.  A Celebration of his Life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Congregational Church of Claremont, NH, 72 Pleasant St, Claremont, NH 03743.