Donald G. Herbe, Sr.

Donald G. Herbe, Sr. (August 17 1934 - August 19 2007) was a leader in the Erie steel industry for nearly 50 years. He began work at Erie Steel Products as a detailer in 1960, and remained there for over 40 years, during which he served as President. In 2006, he founded and served as president of DHSteel Products, LLC, a steel fabricator and erector also located in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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Early life

Don was born on August 17 1934 in Aetna, Pennsylvania. He moved to the Erie area with his family at the age of 15. He graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1952. He then attended Fenn College in Ohio, majoring in engineering. On August 28 1954, Don and Mary Alice Hedderick were married and resided in Parma, Ohio, where he was employed by Allephant & Associates for six years. Don and Mary Alice moved back to Erie in approximately 1960, when he began work for Erie Steel Products.

Lifelong Steel Man

In 2006, Don founded DHSteel Products, a structural steel fabricator and erector. [1] As stated by Jeff Herbe, Vice President of Sales and Partner at DHSteel:

The main reason why our business has been successful is because of our dad. It is because of his knowledge and reputation that we have enjoyed the early success we have had. I truly believe we have the most skilled, efficient employees, but without a doubt, the best in the business is our president, Don Herbe Sr.

Don also served as president and was a member of the Erie Construction Council. He was treasurer and a member of the Tri-State Steel Association.

Community Leader

In his free time, Don was involved in various community projects and clubs, including president and member of the Lawrence Park Golf Club, a life member of South Erie Turners, where he was the founder of the Mens’ Wednesday Night Bowling League, a life member of the Siebenbuerger Club, member of the Erie Maennerchor Club, and a member of the Elks Lodge #067.

Personal

Don had a passion for football and was an all around lover of sports. He played in the 1952 Save-an-Eye Football All Star Game, representing his high school, Strong Vincent.[2] He was directed to a "football" tryout at Fenn College, but upon learning from the coach (who was overseeing a soccer practice) that Fenn did not have a football team, Don tried out for and made the soccer team. Don was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and relished their fifth Super Bowl victory after the 2005 season.