Robert J. Herrin Jr.

Robert "Bob" Herrin Jr., 90, passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023.

Bob was born as one of three children to Bermudia (Sharron) and Robert Herrin Sr on December 12, 1932 in Plattsburg, NY.

He volunteered for service in the army during the Korean Conflict.  After honorably serving primarily in Europe, he returned home to meet his wife Theresa (St. Germaine), and married in Fitchburg, MA in 1958. They were blessed with two sons, Brian and Scott, whose welfare and nourishment became and remained the focus of their lives. 

After receiving a degree from Stephen's business college, Bob expanded his theme of service by building a career within the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He ultimately became a project administrator, which challenged him to balance the needs of his family with the need to spend significant periods away from them to help provide aid to victims of some of the nation's most significant disasters. These included numerous devastating hurricanes and the nuclear incident at Three Mile Island.

Bob fully embraced many interests. He took pride in his ability to nourish plants of all kinds. With no background in art, he educated himself to paint creatively and produced many lovely works in oils and water colors. He developed an interest in the Dachshund breed of dogs, and owned and cherished several of them.  

He and Theresa were blessed by the ability to spend their winters in Florida for many years. While there, he would pursue his painting, make new friends, and savor the tropical beauty that enveloped him.

Bob defined himself as an avid walker, and nearly each day traveled to Cogshall Park, a place for which he developed a deep affection. He always carried treats in his pocket on his long walks in case he encountered a friend's dog. They all began to recognize him at a distance, requiring their owners to brace for the inevitable tug-o-war. Bob had a soft and kind demeanor, and was asked by children on occasion if he was "Mr. Rogers". He would sometimes delight them by placing his excited dachshund in a basket on his bicycle while pedaling around the neighborhood to greet all.

Bob lived a long, independent, and enthusiastically active life, and never included the word "Can't" in his vocabulary.

He was preceded in death by his wife Theresa after 62 years of marriage, many life-long friends, and many beloved pets.
He is survived by his grateful boys Brian and Scott, their partners Tracy and Lisa, his beloved granddaughters Emily and Amie, and the countless pets where he made his rounds at his cherished Cogshall.

A funeral service for Robert will be held on Saturday, August 12, at 10:00 A.M. in Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St. Leominster. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery Leominster. A calling hour will precede the funeral from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. 

www.richardsonfuneralhome.net

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