At 105, and still working, Herb Hamrol, a San Francisco native, 1906 earthquake survivor and widower; he’s an inspiration to young, old and the uncertain.

Herb has been an Andronico’s employee since 1967. Prior to retirement, he had been a partner in a wholesale grocery outlet. He yearned to stay involved and connected in the grocery business and initially began employment at Andronico’s Solano store in Berkeley. Of his fellow employees he says,

“There are lots of nice compatriots.”

Presently Herb is at the top of the union scale, as a journeyman and he works Monday and Thursday mornings. He receives his paycheck every Thursday morning and until last week he would deposit his check into the U.S. Bank within the Andronico’s store. The bank closed this past Friday.

Today, Herb is driven to work by his home health care provider Desiree, the mother of five and earning just a little more than minimum wage, but she says,

“I know this is my work.”

Prior to having help, Herb took a cab from his Daly City apartment to Andronico’s on Irving and Funston. Up until three years ago, Herb would walk to 19^th Avenue and take the MUNI home. Herb has macular degeneration, and people in the neighborhood saw him stepping onto 19^th Avenue into oncoming traffic. Assistant Manager, Andrea Fitzgerald was told about this, and Andronico’s employees took turns walking Herb to 19^th Avenue after Herb’s shift. Andrea fondly describes Herb’s work ethic.

“He’s always on time, with a white shirt, tie and a sport coat. He truly cares about the company. Herb is also stubborn. He was going up and down the stairs until he was 104.”

She continues,

“He’s a hard worker, he loves attention and I’m thrilled to know that he has been collecting Social Security for over forty years.”

Andrea has Herb over to her house for Thanksgiving and Easter and she smiles when she says,

“He always brings a bottle of wine or brandy. So proper.”

All of Herb’s various positions have been in customer service oriented businesses. In his day, attending high school was not a requirement, and he began working after grammar school. He was an, “Office Boy” for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. He moved on to an Usher position at the Princess Theatre, in the days when Ushers wore an Usher’s jacket, ushered moviegoers to their seat and then he could relax and,

“Watch the picture.”

He enjoyed Cowboys and Indians pictures, and one of his favorites, Tom Mixx. He earned $2.50 per week.

There were stints at a Men’s Furnishing Store, and an Electric Supply Company where he was promoted to City Salesman.

I wonder what his proudest achievement has been.

“I grew up without getting into any trouble.”

Any regrets?

“No. And I’m proud I married a non- Jewish girl.”

Herb tears up, as do I. He was married for forty years, and his wife passed away thirty- five years ago.

“I miss her terribly.”

Herb and Cecille, adopted two boys, both now in their seventies, and were raised in his wife’s faith, as Catholics. He has many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Although, Herb admits he was not particularly religious, his parents were, but Herb’s philosophy has always been a simple creed,

“I try to be a good person.”

Herb was raised, South of Market, 6^th and Clementina, and was just three years old, that April 18, in 1906 when the earthquake enflamed and crumbled much of San Francisco.

I am intrigued with Herb’s memory and longevity. Does he know why he has been graced with such a long life?

“I’ll never know that.”

Herb Hamrol realizes he is lucky to be alive.

“I’m six months into 106.”

His birthday is celebrated at Joe’s of Westlake every year, with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Andronico’s employees, customers and neighbors. Perhaps, you’ll say hello to Herb in the Café at Andronico's on a Monday or Thursday morning, where he has his regular fans, Robert, Evelyn, Desiree, or maybe, you’ll watch him blow out the candles on January 10, 2009.

NEXT WEEK: MEET MICHELLE THE GREENGROCER.