Anibal P. Herrera M.D.

 

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on April 26, 1926 to Justo del Carmen Herrera and Otilia Maria

Fiol, and departing on November 21, 2021 at home in Middletown, NY. He attended National

College in Santiago del Estero from 1939 -1943 receiving his Baccalaureate; Medical School at

the University of Buenos Aires from 1944 -1952. From 1955 -1957 he served as a 1st Lt. in the

Argentine Navy. From 1957 -1958 he was Preceptor of Medicine at Ramos Mejia Hospital in

Buenos Aires. He came to the United States seeking opportunity and freedom from the

oppression of the Juan Peron regime. He loved the United States and thought it was the

greatest country on earth. He became a Naturalized U. S. Citizen in 1968.

While in the U. S., he completed his rotating internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Providence,

R. I., from 1958 -1959, He then worked as a staff physician at Gardner State Hospital in

Gardner, Mass, from 1959 -1961. He completed his psychiatric residency at Middletown State

Hospital, Middletown, NY in 1964 and held many positions at that facility including Supervising

Psychiatrist; Unit Chief of the Sullivan County Unit from 1977 -1980; Unit Chief of the

Admissions Unit from 1980 -1981. In 1981 he joined the staff at the Mid-Hudson Forensic

Psychiatric Center until his retirement from State service.

Notably, he opened the first psychiatric service at Horton Memorial Hospital in 1966 and served

as the Chairman of the Psychiatric Service. He firmly believed that treatment should be

community based and in the least restrictive environment as possible, He served in other

capacities during his career: Consulting Psychiatrist at Warwick Training School, Warwick, NY;

Staff Psychiatrist at the Community Mental Health Clinic in Goshen, NY; Instructor of Psychiatry

at Middletown State Hospital School of Nursing; Courtesy Staff member and Consulting

Psychiatrist at Arden Hill Hospital, Goshen, NY; Consulting Psychiatrist at New York Foundling

Hospital in New York City; Member of the Narcotics Guidance Council in Middletown, NY;

Consulting Psychiatrist at the mental health clinics in Liberty and Monticello, NY; Chairman of

the Human Rights Committee at Middletown Psychiatric Center from 1971 -1981; President of

the Medical Staff Organization at Middletown Psychiatric Center from 1974 -1976; Consulting

Psychiatrist for the Bureau of Disability Determinations and Workers Compensation Board. In

1965 he opened his private practice in Middletown, NY, and remained actively seeing patients

until 2016. A remarkable career for an extraordinary man who was full of energy, compassion,

fun, enthusiasm, adventure and generosity. He always said, "Enjoy what you do," and indeed

he did! He traveled extensively in the U. S., and abroad.

In August of 1969 he was flown in by helicopter to the Woodstock Music Festival in Bethel, NY

to assist in caring for the half million people who attended. It was a remarkable event for him

and he worked in the Pink Hospital tent there treating people for medical and psychiatric

conditions for the duration of the festival.

He was a Life Member of the American Medical Association and American Psychiatric

Association. He was an avid stamp collector and classical music aficionado with Beethoven's

9th Symphony, Ode to Joy, his favorite.

He is survived by his Life Partner and Companion of 50 years, Laura Gene Newkirk at home; a

daughter, GikJa Herrera, living in Argentina; a granddaughter, Maria Pia De La Parte, in Argentina and a grandson, Juan Cruz Merani, in Argentina. He was predeceased by his

brother, Justo Andreas Herrera in 2009.

Love and gratitude to his magnificent caregivers: Robin Ellefsen, Debra Heim, Roseann Hand

and Wendy Kubiak, who never let us down. Not once! A special thank you to Ethan for always

lending a helping hand and wanting to make sure Doc was taken care of. Doc's furry friends,

Lily and Daisy, will also miss him deeply.

Arrangements will be private and under the direction of Cornelius, Dodd and Connell Funeral

Home in Middletown, NY (www.connellfuneralhome.com)

 

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