SALSBURY, Herbert H.

Herbert H. Salsbury, 86, of Tampa, FL, and formerly of Tarpon Springs, FL, and Maumee, OH, passed away on January 4, 2021.

Born in Bryan, OH, he graduated from Defiance College, OH, in 1956 with a BS in chemistry and mathematics. Herb received a four year athletic scholarship and his favorite memory of college was being part of the 1953 Undefeated Football Team coached by Vic Rowen, which was the only unbeaten and untied college football team in Ohio that year.

Herb and his wife Sylvia raised their three children in Napoleon,OH, where Herb began a career with Campbell Soup Company. His 40 years with the company began as a chemist in the food laboratory, advancing into the environmental field as head of the water and wastewater treatment operations and EPA liaison for the Napoleon Plant.

Herb was instrumental in developing an ‘Overland Flow’ wastewater treatment process that received State and National awards and ultimately patented by the Campbell Soup Company. He initiated reduction, reuse and recycle programs at the Napoleon plant reducing the amount of waste going to the landfill by 85%. This was the highest reduction in the nation for a food industry.

In 1988 Herb was invited by the Soviet Union’s Ministry of Economy to join a delegation of USA solid waste management professionals that visited Russia. This program was part of a ‘People to People’ project developed by President Eisenhower in 1956 to share knowledge between people of other nations. Herb considered this a life-changing event in which both he and Sylvia participated.

Throughout Herb’s life he served on church boards and committees, often taking leadership roles. He and Sylvia were active in the United Methodist Church In Napoleon, OH, The First Unitarian-Universalist Church of Toledo, OH, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs, FL.  In Napoleon, OH, Herb served a three year term on the Board of Trustees for the Northwest Technical College and was a member of the Napoleon Emergency Planning Committee and the Henry County Solid Waste Board. He also taught water and wastewater operator classes sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health and Education for 11 years.

In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife Sylvia, playing tennis, and painting landscapes. He continued his lifelong love of carpentry in his home workshop and was always willing to help friends and family if anything needed built or repaired. He and Sylvia enjoyed volunteering together at the Shepherd Center in Tarpon Springs, FL, and with Meals on Wheels in several cities.

Herb’s greatest joy was the love of his wife of 65 years, Sylvia, and the family they raised together. He was a beloved hero to his children and a loving and cherished grandfather and great grandfather.  He was preceded in death by Sylvia and one younger brother, David. Herb’s spirit will be carried on by his three children, Deborah Dietrick (John), Scott Salsbury (Beckie), and William Salsbury (Lori); two siblings, Marilyn Elling( Marvin) and Larry Salsbury (Mary Buchel); 6 grandchildren, Allison Beckwith (Arthur), Chase Salsbury (Lauren), Aubrey Clark (Daniel), MaryBeth Dietrick, David Dietrick and Zachery Dawson; and two great grandsons, Arthur and Avery Beckwith.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Donations may be made in Herb’s name to LifePath Hospice, 3010 West Azeele St. Suite 120, Tampa, FL 33609. 813-871-8111