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HEATH - Robert F. "Bob" Herman Sr., died peacefully after a short but courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010. He was 64 years old.

He was the devoted husband of Eileen V. (Lynch) Herman for nearly 40 years. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his loving children, Ginny and Larry Cummings of Kingston, Ellen and Fred Hallisey Jr. of Weymouth, Robert Jr. and Leeanne Herman of Southampton, Danny and Claire Herman of Norwell, and Siobhan Herman and her fiancé Jason Doherty of Plymouth. Bob was the proud "Papa" to his 10 grandchildren, Michael, Elizabeth, and Larry Cummings; Molly and Freddie III Hallisey; Jared, Gary, and Robert III Herman; Court Benoit; and Henry Herman. Bob was also a loving brother to William and the late Kathy Herman of Bourne (formerly of Pembroke), Bettyann and Barry Needham of Randolph, and Edward and Mary Herman of Fairhaven. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary T. (Lynch) and Andy Mikelson of Dorchester; brothers-in-law, John and Dermot Lynch of County Cork, Ireland; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Born and raised in West Quincy, he was a 1964 graduate of Quincy Trade School. Bob was a proud U.S. Army Veteran, having served as a drill instructor. In 2002, he retired as a machinist from MWRA. He also worked for Walworth Valve Company for 23 years. He presently held a part-time position at the Town of Heath Transfer Station, a job he cherished. He lived in Braintree for 20 years before moving to Heath in 1991. He was avid outdoorsman who loved kayaking, tubing, and fishing on the Deerfield River and raising his treasured goats. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family. Bob never let his illness get him down or dampen his spirit. He was an inspiration to us all, a kind, gentle, peaceful man with a heart and soul of a saint. He touched so many lives, and will be missed deeply by many.

A celebration of Robert Herman's life will be on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home at 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls, and a funeral mass will be held on Friday Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 133 Main St., in Greenfield.