New Scotland - Jacob H. Herzog Jr., 86 yrs, died on May 1, 2026, at home. Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which he had likely been living with for some time. His wife of 65 years, the former Arlene Carr, his dog Wyatt, and other family members were by his side.

He was the son of the late Judge Jacob H. Herzog and Madelon Paterson Pound. He attended Albany Academy for several years and graduated from Voorheesville Central High School. Contrary to his family’s tradition of law and politics, he joined Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 7 in 1961 as an apprentice, beginning a lifetime in the mechanical trades. He was employed for 20 years at John V. Warren, Inc., and then with Arlene went on to form Petrochem Mechanical Services, Inc. (1979-1999). His work for most of his life centered around bulk petroleum storage terminals. All the terminals in the ports of Albany and Rensselaer contain piping and equipment that Jake installed, working alongside many others over the years.

He lived his entire adult life on the small farm he and Arlene, purchased from his maternal grandfather in 1962. Most of the farming was done with antique tractors he restored himself.

His love of motorcycling began in the 1960s with his first motorcycle, later leading to enduro competition in New England during the 1970s and eventually evolving into a passion for long-distance adventure riding. He enjoyed laying out route sheets from his collection of maps. These travels took him throughout most of the continental US, as well as Mexico and Canada, including the Trans-Labrador Highway and three round trips between New York and Alaska. Jake and Arlene also toured Newfoundland and New Zealand by motorcycle and, through their shared interest in the sport, met many wonderful people around the world.

At age 73, Jake became interested in Moto Giro competition involving smaller vintage motorcycles. Using primarily OSSA machines, he assembled at least one with parts from Spanish, British, and Japanese sources and claimed moderate success, but had a lot of fun.

In ‘retirement,’ he and Arlene ran Esoteric Farm Services, performing various agricultural and mechanical tasks. He drove a semi for a large dairy farm and spent a few winters with Joe Merli Manufacturing and Francisco Equipment. He spent considerable time in area diners, visiting at least 80 by his own count, and a few even named breakfast items after him. He cherished rural life and his many friends around Clarksville and the Hill Towns.

He was also known to dabble in a bit of poetry when inspired, often writing personal, lighthearted limericks for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, even funerals, and for his queen, Arlene. He sent in articles about his adventures and thoughts to magazines covering his many interests, as well as to newspapers and newsletters.

He was a member of Farm Bureau, Berne Masonic Lodge #684, and American Truck Historical Society. Various motorcycle groups include AMA, BMW MOA, HOG, SMOG, AMCA, BRC, USCRA, and the RAMS motorcycle club.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene; daughter Lynn Bragan (Tom) of Arlington, VA; son Edward Herzog (Sarah) of Slingerlands; and sisters Madelon Herzog of Latham, NY, and Mary Berkman (Scott) of Shelburne, VT. He was predeceased by his son, Jacob H. Herzog III, and his younger brother, Scott Herzog. Survivors also include grandchildren Elena and Lucas Bragan; nieces and nephews, Ken Miller (Patty), Erick Miller, Scott Herzog (Ally), Gabrielle Berkman (Owen), Amy Berkman (Susan), Stephen Longtin (Lynne), Keith Longtin (Nalani), Kathleen Frisbee (Steve), Deborah Longtin, Kristen Bankuti (Stephen), Karen Umbrell (Stephen), and Ellen Zweig (Geoffrey).

Friends are invited to visit with Jake’s family on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 am to 12 noon at the Rock Road Chapel, 96 Rock Rd., Berne, NY.  A Memorial service will follow from 12 - 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jake may be made to the New Scotland Presbyterian Church, 2010 New Scotland Rd, Slingerlands, NY 12159, the Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecker St, Utica, NY 13501-1787 or the ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205.  Friends may also bring a food pantry item to Rock Road Chapel.