David Eugene Herrick Jr., 84, of Mill River passed away peacefully at Berkshire Medical Center on Sunday, August 27, with his loving family by his side. Dave was born in Pittsfield to M. Josephine (O’Brien) Herrick and David E. Herrick Sr. on August 1, 1939.
David grew up (so to speak!) in Great Barrington and Lenox, attending grammar school in Great Barrington and graduating in 1957 from Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox. Dave attended Boston University, where he attained an Associates Degree, before serving in the United States Air Force. It was here that he perhaps had his best education and learned his sense of duty and loyalty to family, friends, his community, and his country. Upon discharge, he worked for Chicago Aerial Institute and flew reconnaissance in Vietnam, training servicemen in aerial photography. For most of his career, David traveled throughout the United States as the National Sales Manager for Tuck Tape and its successors, until he returned home in 1993 to be closer to family, especially his nieces and nephews. We are grateful to him for being a loving caregiver to our Mom, who suffered from alzheimer’s disease, allowing her to remain in her home longer.
David began his “second career” in 1998 when he purchased the Mill River General Store . The store—and the town of Mill River—became the love of his life. It was a bit like “Cheers,” where everybody knew your name, and Dave served up coffee in mugs with those names emblazoned on them. He was a proud member and Captain of the New Marlborough Fire Department; President and member of the Board of Directors of the New Marlborough Fire Company; an EMT with the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad; a member of the Town’s Conservation Commission; a Finance Committee member; a constable; and, at the time of his death, the 9-1-1 sign coordinator. He was most proud of the young firefighters he took under his wing during his 25 years of service to the Fire Company. His skill at fundraising for the Fire Company was legend, and he was always there to lend a hand, an ear, or a piece of advice (often unsolicited!).
Dave will be missed beyond measure by his brother, Richard J. Herrick (Betsy Holtzinger); his sister, Mary Jo Piretti Miller (Len Miller)’ and by his constant companion, his beloved Siberian Huskey, Crow. He also leaves his nieces, Samantha Herrick, Elaine Luers, and Hannah Keator; his nephews, Andrew Herrick, Timothy Herrick, Luke Piretti, and Conner Piretti; and his grand nieces and nephews, Caroline, Catherine, Addie, Mollie, Charlie, Harper, Pippa, Ashley, Emilee, Max, Colton, Ben, Peter, Jack, Colman, Race, and Lincoln. We take comfort knowing that he was welcomed home with a bear hug and a glass of Scotch by his brother, James Herrick; his nephew, James Herrick Jr.; his brother-in-law, Peter Piretti; and our Mom and Dad.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Main Street, Great Barrington, at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 8, with calling hours at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South St., Great Barrington, on Thursday, September 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. If you would like to honor Dave (and continue his fund raising efforts!), your donations to the New Marlborough Fire Company, Inc., in care of the funeral home would be most greatly appreciated. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com
