Joseph William Herzberg, J.D.

Joseph William “Joe” Herzberg, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and man of deep Catholic faith, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at the age of 74.

Early Life and Education

Joe was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, later relocating with his family to Camp Gordon, Georgia. Raised in Augusta, he attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and St. John’s Vianney Minor Seminary in Savannah before graduating from Aquinas High School in 1969.

A lifelong scholar, Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in English—an education that laid the foundation for his future as a local historian and author. He went on to achieve his Juris Doctor, a degree that informed his long and distinguished career in administrative leadership. While at Augusta College, Joe met the love of his life, Stephanie. They married in 1972, beginning a devoted 54-year partnership.

A Career of Service and Leadership

Joe was a distinguished leader in Human Resources for over fifty years, known for his integrity and his gift for mentoring others. He began his career in his hometown, serving 27 years as Director of Human Resources for University Health Care System in Augusta.

While his expertise eventually led him to executive roles across the Georgia healthcare landscape—including serving as System Vice President and CHRO for Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta, as well as leadership positions at WellStar Health System (Cobb Hospital), Eastside Medical Center/HCA, and The Methodist Hospitals—Joe remained a steadfast resident of Augusta. He spent years commuting to Atlanta during the week, always returning to the city and the family he loved.

In the final chapter of his career, Joe aligned his professional expertise with his deep faith, serving as Vice President of Administration for Action Ministries and ultimately retiring in 2025 as the Human Resources Leader for The Salvation Army in the Greater Augusta Area.

Author and Historian

Joe was also an established author and historian. In 2018, he published his collection of Catholic devotions, Trust, Obey, Listen, Rejoice! A passionate student of local history, Joe authored the historical marker for the Widow’s Home on Greene Street and was a respected authority on Augusta’s medical history. His research remains a vital reference for the history of University Hospital (now Piedmont Augusta).

Faith and Music

Joe’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. In 2022, he became a fully professed member of the Third Order of Lay Carmelites, a vocation that deeply enriched his spiritual journey. He was also a gifted musician, playing both guitar and drums. Through his blog and his book, Joe shared his journey of faith and illness with a courage that inspired many, reminding everyone that "happiness is a choice."

Survivors

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Audrey Herzberg, and his brother, James "Jim" Herzberg.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Stephanie; his eight children: Stephanie, Joseph Jr., Christopher, Amy, Benjamin, Matthew, Jack, and Ashley; thirteen grandchildren; his sisters, Audrey Findlay (the late John Douglas) of Woodstock, GA, and Barbara Rowe (Jeff) of Roswell, GA; and his sister-in-law, Becky Herzberg. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Miles, Wade Maddox, Ken Kitchen, and the Honorable Daniel J. Craig.

Service Information:

Visitation

Friday, March 27, 2026

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Platt's Funeral Home - Augusta

721 Crawford Ave.

Augusta, GA 30904

Funeral Mass

Saturday, March 28, 2026

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church

720 Telfair Street

Augusta, GA 30901

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Salvation Army of Augusta to support the construction of the new Center of Hope shelter, a project Joe was deeply passionate about.

Contributions can be made online at: give.salvationarmygeorgia.org/campaign/769689/donate

Acknowledgements

The Herzberg family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during Joe’s final days. Special thanks to Fr. Mark Ross and Fr. Jacob Almeter for their spiritual guidance, and to Frank and Caroline Miles, Jeremy McRae, and Brian Magill for their constant presence, care, and support to Joe and the family.

We also wish to thank the compassionate staff of Comfort Keepers and Enhabit Hospice for the kindness and grace they provided to Joe.

Arrangements were provided by Platt's Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 733-3636. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.