Dr. Herbert J. Mueller of Bethany Beach, DE, and Washington, DC, passed away on April 5, 2025, just shy of his 97th birthday. Born on April 17, 1928, in Manhattan, NYC, to Milda Ludwig and Willie Ernst Mueller, he is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Sondra Mueller; daughter Debra Mueller-Milton (Miles Milton); son Jeffrey Mueller (Todd Collins); grandson Alex Pylypec (Miranda Pylypec); and granddaughter Tori Pylypec.
A graduate of St. Peter's College, NJ, Dr. Mueller earned his DDS from Georgetown Dental School in 1954 and practiced family dentistry in Washington, DC, for 38 years. He also served as an Associate Clinical Professor at Georgetown University and was an active member of professional organizations, including Psi Omega Dental Fraternity and Omicron Kappa Upsilon.  He proved himself a leader in his community with 20 years of membership to Kiwanis, participation as a Board Member at Metropolitan United Methodist Preschool and maintained membership with the DC Chapter of MOAA.

His military service (1948–1958) included the New York National Guard and the US Navy Dental Corps aboard the USS Newport News as a Lieutenant Commander. He had a great love of the sea and fondly recalled his adventures on the Heavy Cruiser including attending Grace Kelly's wedding in Monaco.

Herb met Sondra in 1961 through the "Glass Housers," a close-knit social group of White House aides.  It saddened Herb in recent years as he became the last surviving member of this special group of lifelong friends.   Sondra and Herb's enduring marriage was marked by love, shared responsibilities, travel, and unwavering family devotion. A dedicated, talented, and loving father and grandfather, he cherished building memories with his children and grandchildren through activities that included launching model rockets, crafting humorous cartoons, constructing castles from old refrigerator boxes, and even planning his granddaughter's wedding music.  He was also the historian of the family capturing 3 generations of life's big moments on video.  Herb unselfishly made time for family, regardless of his own life's demands.

Herb will be deeply missed by family and friends for his sharp wit, creativity, unwavering intellect, and tireless determination. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted family man whose love and loyalty knew no bounds.

A private family service will be held, with a Celebration of Life at the Ocean View VFW in June (details to be announced). Memorial contributions may be made to The Marbridge Foundation (c/o Becca McPherson, P.O. Box 2250, Manchaca, TX 79652).