Herbert M Meyer

1922-2010

Longtime Stamford resident and noted real estate developer Herbert Meyer, 88, died quietly in his sleep at his home in Dolphin Cove on Wednesday, June 22.

Born and bred in Beaumont, Texas, Herb moved with his parents to Forest Hills, NY during the Great Depression of the 1930s. It was then that Herb discovered sailing which became his life-long passion. Perhaps riding out the Great Hurricane of 1938 in a small open boat on the Sound gave him his taste for the water that would take him by boat from Stamford to Maine, Bermuda, Florida, virtually every Caribbean island, and many of the Pacific islands, as well.

After Pearl Harbor, Herb volunteered for service in the Army Air Corps. Herb served his country with distinction as a waist gunner and radio operator on a B-17 bomber in the European Theater of World War II.

After the war, Herb married Margery Sumergrade of Kew Gardens and moved to Cuba to make his living there. In Havana, Herb opened the first supermarket that had refrigeration. Although his business was thriving, Herb feared the country was too unstable for his young family. The Meyers returned to the United States in 1953 with their two children, Tom and Terry.

Herb turned to real estate, and, after moving to Stamford, was instrumental in the development of the Soundview Farms corporate park, the Dolphin Cove community, Daycroft Apartments, Hamilton Gardens, and many other landmark Stamford properties. He was operating director of Soundview Farms and worked until his death.

Herb is survived by his wife, Margery, his son Tom and wife Patti of Dolphin Cove; his daughter Terry of Providence, RI, his grandson Preston and wife Teresa of Dolphin Cove; granddaughter Kristin and husband William Swint of New York, NY; granddaughter Lauren, and two great grandchildren, Grayson and Asher.

Herb was known for his generosity, particularly with the advice that he readily offered his family and friends. He gathered about him a core of close comrades with whom he sailed the world, never at a loss for a good sailing yarn and always ready for the next voyage.

Herb’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Herb’s name to the Young Mariners Foundation, 151 Harvard Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902, (203) 348-9000, youngmarinersfoundation.com.

A celebration of Herb’s life will be held at the pavilion in Dolphin Cove on July 17th, 2010 at 5pm – 8:00pm.

Arrangements under the direction of Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, Stamford, CT.