Alan Horace Herman Jr., 78, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 28, 1947, in Orange, New Jersey, Alan—known to family and friends as Skip—was the son of Alan H and June Herman. He was raised in West Orange, New Jersey, where he graduated from West Orange High School. Skip spent most of his adult life in Warren, New Jersey, where he lived for approximately 40 years before moving to Branchburg 13 years ago.

He continued his education at Monmouth College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

After graduating, Skip joined the family business founded by his beloved grandfather, J.J. Abelson. The company, Jabel Inc., was a respected jewelry manufacturing business located in Irvington, New Jersey. The company also held special meaning for the Abelson family, as it was where Skip’s beloved grandparents, J.J. Abelson and Lillian O. Abelson, first met when she worked there as a bookkeeper.

Skip devoted his entire professional career to Jabel Inc., working alongside three generations of his family, beginning with his grandfather and later with his mother and brother. Through decades of dedication and hard work, he ultimately served as President of the company prior to his retirement. During his career, he was an active member of the prestigious 24 Karat Club and the Boston Jewelers Club, and he served on the Board of Directors of Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America.

Even after retiring from Jabel, Skip remained eager to stay engaged and productive. He spent time mentoring and coaching small business owners thru Maximizing Results and most recently served as President of his condominium’s Homeowners Association.

While Skip had a fulfilling professional life, nothing meant more to him than his family. He met his love, Regina, through family members who arranged what was intended to be a simple introduction. What began as a single date quickly blossomed into a lifelong love story. From that first meeting forward, they were rarely apart, building a life together rooted in deep love, devotion, and partnership.

Skip was especially proud of his daughter, Alyson, who was truly the greatest joy of his life. He loved being a father and took immense pride in her accomplishments and the remarkable person she became. To those who knew him best, it was clear that there were never quite enough words to describe how deeply he loved his wife and daughter. His family was the center of his world, and he devoted himself wholeheartedly to them.

Skip also lived life with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. He believed strongly in staying active and enjoyed working out regularly. He was a runner, avid cyclist, and rollerblader—and even built his own bicycle. In his youth, he played hockey at South Mountain Arena and developed a love of sailing during summers spent at Tabor Academy.

A passionate sports fan, Skip was fortunate enough to witness both the 1980 and 2026 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal hockey victories. A lifelong New York Yankees fan, he cherished the game of baseball and was present at Yankee Stadium when Roger Maris hit his historic 61st home run. Over the years, he attended countless games with Regina, Alyson, and their beloved Derek J. Bear.  He loved that he was a spectator at all three Yankee Stadiums and was able to attend games in the final season of the Old Stadium and we were lucky enough to christen the New Yankee Stadium sitting in the Sky Club Section courtesy of Jorge and Laura Posada.

When not being active, Skip enjoyed quieter pursuits. He had a deep appreciation for classical music, reading, and spending time watching television with his family. He and Regina often attended concerts at NJPAC and Carnegie Hall. Skip especially loved reading books about history and notable people, interests that carried over into his favorite television programs, which included the History Channel, HGTV, British mystery series, veterinary shows, and most recently the family favorite, Hudson and Rex.

Skip and Regina also shared a love of travel and adventure, creating treasured memories on trips both together and with family. Among their favorite destinations were Lake Placid, Paris—where they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary—and international journeys to Japan, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

For the past 18 years, Skip faced cancer with extraordinary courage, resilience, and determination. Throughout his long battle, he never lost hope and approached each challenge with strength and grace. Just days before his passing, when presented with another difficult medical decision, Skip remarked that he “wasn’t ready to say no to anything yet”—a reflection of the fighting spirit that defined him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Regina Herman; his beloved daughter, Alyson H. Herman; his brother, Daniel D. Herman; several cherished Herman and Carotenuto nieces and nephews; and the extended cousins on the Herman and Abelson families, affectionately known as Team Abelson.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with family remembrances shared at 5:00 PM, at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. Cremation services were private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Alan’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.