The Most Reverend John Allen Herzog, Presiding Bishop of the American Anglican Church, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, at the age of 92.
Born on January 19, 1932, in Broad Channel, New York, Bishop Herzog was the son of Joseph Charles and Miriam Lyder Herzog. He was baptized at Christ By The Sea Episcopal Church and spent his early childhood on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he was confirmed at Christ Church in Eastville. In 1948, his family returned to New York, where they joined St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Brooklyn.
Beginning with a humble childhood during the Great Depression, Bishop Herzog rose to become a respected and accomplished man. His path to success began with service to his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. Following his military service, he attended Adelphi College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management and later completed a Master of Business Administration from Adelphi University. He then embarked on a remarkably successful 35-year career with New York Telephone Company. Blessed with natural gifts, Bishop Herzog exemplified the American Dream. With a remarkable knack for problem-solving and unparalleled persistence, he rose from working on phone lines to achieving an executive position within the company, demonstrating perseverance, dedication, and exceptional skill at every stage of his career.
In 1982, Bishop Herzog answered a call to serve God more directly, studying at the Institute of Theology at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine and at General Seminary. He was ordained to the Diaconate in December 1982 by Bishop Anthony Clavier and to the Holy Priesthood in June 1983. That same year, he founded the Anglican Mission of the Holy Innocents, and in 1986, he established the Order of Saint Andrew. In June 1994, he was consecrated as a Bishop in the American Anglican Church, providing spiritual guidance to many churches within his diocese.
As a long-time resident of Briarcliff Manor, Bishop Herzog was a highly respected figure in his community, dedicating his time to the Rotary Club and serving as Chaplain of Phelps Hospital for many years. Known for his rare blend of wit and wisdom, he was deeply passionate about bringing others to Christ and exemplified Christian love and service in every aspect of his life. His warm, outgoing nature and earnest desire to connect with others enabled him to offer hope and guidance to many during their darkest hours. His contributions to his church and community will long endure.
Bishop Herzog is survived by his beloved wife, Selina Ann Herzog; his sister, Marianne Owen; his three daughters, Mrs. Noreen Halbach and her husband Karl, Dr. Marianne Lorenzen and her husband Bruce, and Mrs. Sheila Sammur and her husband Anthony; five grandchildren, Colin and his wife Zhi, Kirsten, and Ethan Halbach, and Astrid and Fiona Lorenzen; and two great-grandchildren, Nori Halbach and Ian Lorenzen.
Bishop Herzog’s legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the church and his community will be cherished by all who knew him.
Reposing Holy Innocents Anglican Church, 680 Albany Post Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
on Thursday and Friday from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Funeral Mass Saturday November 16, 2024, at 10:00am.
Interment following at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Arrangements provided by John G. Crawford Memorial Services, LLC