Herman R. Bomback

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Herman R. Bomback, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Herman departed from our lives on July 4, 2023 at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and the people who loved him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, generosity and enduring memories.

Born on January 27, 1952 at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA to Raymond Herman Bomback and Mabel (Conway) Bomback. His father was in the Navy so he lived in many places including Washington DC; Portsmouth, RI; Kingsville, TX; Fall River, MA; and for the past 18 years in Swansea, MA. He graduated from BMC Durfee High School in 1970 where he excelled in baseball and football. He was inducted into the Durfee Hall of Fame for baseball. Baseball continued to be an important part of his life. He coached and managed many baseball teams from Little League to High School (Case 2008-2011). He coached American Legion Baseball and then in 1992 he became the baseball chairman of American Legion District 9 for many years. He resurrected the American Legion Post 314 Baseball team. In 2000 he felt that the baseball season was too short and wanted to continue it into the fall. This is when he founded and became the commissioner for the Autumn Baseball League (ABL). At one point having almost 100 teams in the league from Massachusetts, RI and Connecticut. His efforts had inspired and touched the lives of many children in Fall River and beyond.

He entered the army in 1972 during the Vietnam era, did his basic training in Ft. Dix and 1 year of specialized schooling in Huntsville, AL. He served in Wiesbaden, Germany as an MOS 272.0. There he worked on Vulcan 20 mm shells and Chapparel surface to air missiles repairing their computer and guidance systems.

While in Germany he played baseball and football for the Air Force where the teams traveled throughout Europe. When he finished his tour of duty, he attended SMU and then BCC where he earned two Associates degrees in Police Science and in Fire Science. He became a member of the Fall River Fire Dept in 1975 until 1984. When he retired from the department, he started the HR Bomback Insurance Group as well as HR Bomback Real Estate.

Herman had a deep love of his country. It is fitting he passed away on the 4th of July. Because of that love and respect, he spent many years involved as an active member of the American Legion. He served as adjutant for 15 years, was the Commander of Post 314 for a short while and in 1991 he served as the District 9 Commander for 1 year. In 1995 he founded and was the commander of the Alan T Fernandes Post 464 until the present. In 1986 he had become a Free Mason and was a member of the Watuppa Lodge.

He was a Justice of the Peace who brought together in matrimony many couples in love.

Herman was well known around the area for playing music. He was a bass guitarist for many bands, but mostly with Wolfgang and until recently with Double Shot. He went by the stage name of Miller Huggins, a name he liked from an old-time baseball player.

Herman had many friends. He enjoyed promoting events and getting people together. Some of his parties back in the day were legendary and people still talk about them. Upon hearing of a remission in his cancer, he threw a “Celebration of Life” event with bands and hundreds of people attended. Such was his influence. Herman's departure leaves an immense void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He had a zest for life and an energy that drew people toward him. Herman’s legacy of friendship, giving, helping and his love for music will go on in people’s hearts.

When he had the time, he enjoyed working in his garden, woodworking, working on his old cars and mostly playing music.

Herman was a strong yet gentle man who cherished his role as a loving husband to his wife of 31 years, Dr. Laura Tavares Bomback, and a dedicated father to his three children, Tracy Grunewald (husband Christopher) of N Attleboro, Jason Bomback (wife Anne) of Attleboro and Lucas Bomback of Fall River. He had five grandchildren, Brady, Claudia and Annelise Grunewald, Emily and Max Bomback and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Mark Bomback and Janie “Sissy” Wright (husband Michael) both of Somerset. He was also brother to Lenny McCoy deceased of Manassas, VA.

Herman Bomback will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by the numerous friends and people whose lives he touched. May his soul find eternal rest, and may we find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will forever live on in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Sunday July 9, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. His Funeral Service will be held on Monday July 10, 2023 at 10:30 AM in the funeral home. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in Herman's honor.

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear."