Ruth McDonald
In Loving Memory of Herbert Gerald Scharlin
June 13, 1934 – February 7, 2026
Herbert “Herb” Gerald Scharlin passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at his home in Crestavilla, Laguna Niguel, CA. Surrounded by the family he loved, Herb concluded a remarkably resilient life just four months shy of his 92nd birthday. Over the last 16 years, Herb faced five serious cancers with immense strength; in the end, he chose his own path, entering hospice and passing away without pain after a final week at home.
Herbert “Herb” Gerald Scharlin passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at his home in Crestavilla, Laguna Niguel, CA. Surrounded by the family he loved, Herb concluded a remarkably resilient life just four months shy of his 92nd birthday. Over the last 16 years, Herb faced five serious cancers with immense strength; in the end, he chose his own path, entering hospice and passing away without pain after a final week at home.
A Life of Hard Work and Family
Born in Long Beach to Samuel and Ida Scharlin, Herb was the youngest of three children. He was preceded in death by his brother, David, and sister, Regina (Bunny). Growing up in a tight-knit family of aunts, uncles, and a dozen first cousins, Herb learned early the importance of kinship. He met Miriam Lax in junior high; they married young and raised five children together over 38 years of marriage.
Born in Long Beach to Samuel and Ida Scharlin, Herb was the youngest of three children. He was preceded in death by his brother, David, and sister, Regina (Bunny). Growing up in a tight-knit family of aunts, uncles, and a dozen first cousins, Herb learned early the importance of kinship. He met Miriam Lax in junior high; they married young and raised five children together over 38 years of marriage.
Herb’s professional life was rooted in the food service industry. He spent years in the grocery and restaurant industries, notably co-owning Scharlin’s Jewish Deli in Los Alamitos with his brother. Even after “retiring,” his work ethic remained, and he spent many years as a courier.
New Beginnings, New Love, and Simple Pleasures
In 2009, Herb found deep love when he met Marian Levitt at a Jewish singles mixer—fittingly held at Katella Deli. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with cruises, trips to Oregon and Monterey, walks around the lake in their community, and family and friends. A lifelong restaurant critic, Herb was famously hard to please because he knew how to do it better himself, though he loved nothing more than a good steak at home and watching his beloved Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2009, Herb found deep love when he met Marian Levitt at a Jewish singles mixer—fittingly held at Katella Deli. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with cruises, trips to Oregon and Monterey, walks around the lake in their community, and family and friends. A lifelong restaurant critic, Herb was famously hard to please because he knew how to do it better himself, though he loved nothing more than a good steak at home and watching his beloved Los Angeles Lakers.
A Lasting Legacy
Herb’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his daughters: Ruth (Don) McDonald, Julie Scharlin, Shelly (Alan) Kramer, and Lori Scharlin. He was the proud grandfather of Jason (Sachi), Josh (Neftali), Jana (Jake), Megan (Israel), Brandin (Leticia), Sam, Jack, and Clare (Ben), and a doting great-grandfather to Rylee, Ellie, Logan, Gabriel, and Paloma.
Herb’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his daughters: Ruth (Don) McDonald, Julie Scharlin, Shelly (Alan) Kramer, and Lori Scharlin. He was the proud grandfather of Jason (Sachi), Josh (Neftali), Jana (Jake), Megan (Israel), Brandin (Leticia), Sam, Jack, and Clare (Ben), and a doting great-grandfather to Rylee, Ellie, Logan, Gabriel, and Paloma.
Though Herb grieved the 2022 loss of his son, Mark, he died with the peace of knowing the Scharlin name would be carried on by Mark’s grandson, expected to arrive any day. Herb also leaves behind Marian’s children—Cindy, Michael, and Sabrina—whom he loved as his own, often referring to Cindy as his "angel" for her dedicated care.
A Life Fully Celebrated
Herb’s wish was granted in June 2024 when he celebrated his 90th birthday with a massive party. He considered that his true "Celebration of Life"—a rare chance to be present and feel the love of everyone who mattered to him, including his cousin Joe and wife Miriam, his many nieces and nephews (Mitch and Barb, Ross and Maria, Wendy and Robert), and dear neighbors Peggy and Jerry.
Herb’s wish was granted in June 2024 when he celebrated his 90th birthday with a massive party. He considered that his true "Celebration of Life"—a rare chance to be present and feel the love of everyone who mattered to him, including his cousin Joe and wife Miriam, his many nieces and nephews (Mitch and Barb, Ross and Maria, Wendy and Robert), and dear neighbors Peggy and Jerry.
Tributes
To honor him, the family suggests donations in Herb's memory to the following organizations:
To honor him, the family suggests donations in Herb's memory to the following organizations:
- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) https://pancan.org/
- The American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/
