When his father died in 1913, he added the "Jr." His friends, noting his birthday fell on St Patrick's Day, called him "Pat" - ironic because Herst was Jewish.
His mother, Lillian Myers Herst, was a violinist who conducted music lessons for summer camps.
[1] Herst was primarily known for his writing, which included numerous books and articles: He received several notable awards, including the American Philatelic Society's Luff Award in 1961, and was elected as the only American on the board of the Philatelic Traders Society in the UK.
Herst's literary work in the field of philately helped introduce newcomers to the hobby; at the same time, his literature delved into the history of philately, which proved interesting to both the newcomer and the advanced collector of stamps.
He participated in philatelic events, such as auctions, issued his own local stamps showing his German Shepherd Alfie (based on an obscure 1862 law), and gave speeches on philatelic subjects.