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Celebrating the life of

Dennis M. "Denny" Herb, Sr.

August 05, 1943 - May 12, 2024

Dennis M.

Dennis M. “Denny” Herb Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on May 12th, surrounded by friends and family.

Denny grew up in the Old Fort section of Savannah where he attended Blessed Sacrament School and then graduated from Benedictine Military School in the infamous Class of 61’.

His athletic prowess at BC was prolific, where he earned First Team All-City Honors in Basketball and First Team All-City and First Team All State Honors in baseball as he helped lead the Cadets to their first State Championship Baseball Title in 1961.

His love of baseball was infectious, and he starred at the college level at Georgia Southern after many scholarship offers, and at the semi-pro level with Barrett Oil Company in the Savannah River League playing at Historic Grayson Stadium. Barrett Oil won the National Semi-pro Baseball Association Championship in Battle Creek, Michigan, and afterwards Denny was offered a major league baseball contract with the Cincinnati Reds. His love of Savannah was too strong and he decided to plant his roots in his hometown which he loved.

 From Baseball, he moved to Softball where he played for Stubbs Hardware, won a National Championship with Thompson Sporting Goods in 1972, and was a player / coach for many years for the Knights of Columbus where they won many tournaments and championships. Along with his best friend Charlie Russo, they won the first 3 World Half Rubber Tournaments at Grayson Stadium, and continued to dominate the sport for year against anyone dumb enough to challenge them, whether in the alley behind a bar, a stadium, a gymnasium, or on the back river at Tybee. He is a member of The Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame, The Savannah Softball Hall of Fame, The BC Wall of Honor, The Knights of Columbus Council #631 4th Degree, The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and received the Charlie Evans Award and The Atlanta Tip-Off Club award for 1979/1980 Official of the Year.

 Not only did Denny excel at athletics, he rose to the top of his profession as an official, where he umpired and refereed for over 30 years. In baseball, he umpired the National Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado, along with many college baseball games throughout the country. In Basketball, he refereed many high school championship games in Savannah and officiated the State Finals every year in Macon in the highest classifications. On the college level, he officiated in the Sun Belt, Peach Belt, Gulf South, Big South, Transamerica, and Atlantic Coast Conferences. He was honored to work the NIT Tournament many years and refereed in the NCAA Tournament twice, now known to everyone as “March Madness”.

Denny worked in the electrical business for most of his life, in the family business at Herb Electric Co. and then for over 25 years at Braddy Electric Co. where he was considered family. He was revered for his skills as an estimator and the work relationships he built across many industries with various people from all walks of life. His love of life was extraordinary, and his sense of humor and his love of his friends was legendary. If you were a friend of Denny Herb, you have stories to tell for the rest of your life.

He was honored and humbled to be chosen Grand Marshall of the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade as he ran unopposed, and excelled in his role representing the Irish community with dignity, grace, and his ever-present sense of humor. He treasured this honor, and was very fortunate to ride one more time in the 2024 parade surrounded by family and friends walking alongside.

Denny loved Tybee Island and relaxing on the beach with his friends playing Bocce Ball on 7th Street and being in the sand and ocean with his beloved grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Papa”. The family house on Tybee of course hosted parties for every occasion, whether it was birthdays, weddings, engagements, sporting events, or just getting friends together for a crab boil or oyster roast.

Denny was pre-deceased by his parents, Cuthbert and Catherine Herb. He is survived by his wife Babs, his brothers Leonard (Susan) and Joe (Carol), his 4 boys, Dennis (Dee) Herb (Stephanie), Stephen, Sean, and Brent, his daughters, Julie (Kevin) and Peggy (Greg). He was proud “Papa” to his ten grandchildren- Dylan, Harrison, Doree, Grant, Ellis, Allison, Gray, Emily, Olivia, and Carli.

There will be a visitation at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist at 5:00, Thursday, May 16th, followed by a rosary at 6:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will at 2:00, Friday, May 17th, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearer’s will be the BC class of 1961.

The family offers a special thanks to Compassus Hospice for their outstanding care over the last two months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinsons Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Denny was a great friend to my father Otto Aliffi and one hell of a story teller. He will be missing by all . I am sorry for your loss.

- CHRISTOPHER ALIFFI, Savannah , Georgia

Denny is at peace now. He is in the company of many and will continue telling his stories. God rest his soul. Love to all of his family. Vicki

- Victoria Mell McCuen, SAVANNAH, Georgia

May Denny rest easy now ☘️Prayers for the Herb Family.Julia Dyer Strickland

- Julia A Dyer Strickland, Savannah, GA

I absolutely loved watching Denny referee ball games growing up. He owned the highest respect on and off the field. You could feel the love he possessed for sports which always added to the excitement from the sidelines to the stands. We all send Denny’s family and friends much love and peace. Blessings, Kelly, Alex, Matthew and Andrew Hunt ☘️

- Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt, Savannah, GA

Sending prayers filled with love and peace to Babs and family.

- Carol Kilpatrick, Savannah, Ga

He was my good friend and one hell of a man, can't say more than that. I will miss him dearly.

- Anthony (Tony) Alfonso, Savanah, Ga

Denny was everything a Savannah Irishman could possibly be. A great family man and a true friend. May he rest in the Hands of the Lord.

- Mike Kenny, Savannah, Ga

To the Herb Family, Denny will truly be missed. I grew up watching he and Charlie. We even share the same birthday. God blessed you all with such wonderful memories. RIP Denny♥️

- Fogarty, Savannah, Ga

Dee, Stephen, Sean, and Brent...Wishing all of God's peace and comfort to you during this time...

- Tres Dausey, Charleston, CHARLESTON

I could never forget Denny Herb even though I really never “knew” him. I played a few years of youth baseball as did so many boys. One Saturday morning, I was the pitcher in a game at Ambuc stadium in Daffin Park. It was a mini Grayson Stadium. Our Coach was big Joe Braddy. He was an amazing man. So was Denny. So back to Denny. I was about 15. I had not ever had an umpire stand behind the pitcher’s mound. Denny and I talked through every inning. As I can remember, when the game was in the 4th inning and no one had reached first base, Denny started encouraging me to keep it going. He was not calling balls and strikes only outs on the bases. There was only one out on the bases. That is what was so special about the memories of the game. I walked One batter and 2 pitches later I picked him off of first trying to steal second base. Only 21 batters in 7 innings, but not a perfect game. That was 57 years ago and I have appreciated Denny Herb’s support and sportsmanship ever since. It was a special thing that happened that day. We hope that his entire family knows how much we hope they find peace in this loss of a wonderful man. Greg/Kaye Burch

- Greg/Kaye Burch, Savannah, Georgia

Babs and all of Denny’s family—we are saddened and sorry to receive the news of Denny’s passing. He fought a hard battle with true dignity. We will always be grateful for the Friendship that we shared with him, we will remember him as a man of great Character, Integrity, Morals, Values, Principles—he was Spiritual and he was always a Loyal and True Friend. We pray for his Spirit and we pray that God will comfort all of you during this difficult time.

- Richard, Ann Lutz and our family , Savannah , GA

Denny was a friend for many years. I was always happy to see he and Babs .Babs prayers for you. He is at rest now. He will be missed by all that knew him.

- ELSIE Evans, Savannah, Ga

To the entire Herb family , Denny's personality rubbed off on everyone.he was a great husband,father, Papa,but a better human being a prince of a guy.one of the best athlete and great bc cadet.i was truly blessed to know him RIP my friend

- Mike Cohen , Savannah , Ga

Sending our condolences to the entire Herb family. May Denny rest in peace. ☘️

- Jay and Jan (Holland) Ethridge, Alpharetta, Ga

Sincere Condolences. A dear, joyful man. I met Mr. Herb when I worked in the office of Savannah-Chatham superintendent of schools, Dr. Patrick J. Russo. The two friends & professional referees would travel together to referee weekend basketball games. Mr. Herb's enthusiastic personality lit up the room! With some research I located Dr. Russo the year Denny was honored to lead the St. Patrick's Day festivities. Dr. Russo reported it was a happy conversation when he surprisingly reached out to congratulate his friend. Heaven is a more joyful place now. May God bless Mr. Herb's wife, posterity, and all who loved Mr. Herb. Our lives are enriched by knowing him.

- Sandy Traub, Hinesville, GA

Such a remarkable man. Always kind, helpful and funny. RIP Denny

- Jenny Orr, Tybee Island, Ga

Herb family, sorry for your loss. Denny was a great man!! RIP DENNY larry Spear

- Larry Spear, SAVANNAH, Georgia

A true Savannah ICON.

- Joe Inglesby , Savannah , Georgia

Dear Herb, family, My memories of Denny are all very warm and positive. Such a wonderful person to have as a friend during those maturing years in high school. I love sharing the basketball court with someone that had such a positive easy-going, encouraging attitude. Denny was one of God‘s gifts to me in adolescence. I am praying for God‘s peace and comfort for each of you who made up his family and loved him so deeply. Ricky.

- Ricky Mill, Raleigh, NC

My deepest sympathy to the Herb Family on the passing of your Father ….

- Chris Kiehm, Savannah, Georgia

To the Herb Family , sorry for your loss.

- Larry Sims, Richmond Hill, Ga

This wonderful man leaves a treasure trove of memories for his family and friends. God speed, Denny Herb!

- julian sipple, tybee island, ga

I was lucky enough to have meet Denny many years ago and during the years all of his sons and some of his family who were wonderful people and Denny is a person who never meet a stranger ! I will miss him and my most condolences to family!! RIP my Friend .....

- Sonny Denmark, Tybee Island, Ga.

Many funny memories with Denny at Tanner’s and J Parker Ltd… Medical Arts!!! My condolences to the Herb Son’s. He was a good man.

- Charles Corbell Jr, Savannah , Georgia

Legend! I can only imagine the reunion in heaven.

- Charles Loncon, Tybee Island, GA

May Denny rest in peace and God Bless his Family

- Paul and Judy Ganem , Savannah, GA

Condolences to the Herb Family. Denny was a good man.

- Benny Cheek, Augusta, Ga.

Janna and I send our condolences to Babs and the entire Herb family. Denny's legend of athletic accomplishments and joke playing at B. C. and later will endure forever. Stan Friedman

- Stanley H Friedman, Savannah, Georgia

Danny was a good friend for many a year from the Benedictine days . Some of the good things will always be remembered. God bless until we meet again.

- Tim Ansley, Savannah, GA

Danny was a good friend for many a year from the Benedictine days . Some of the good things will always be remembered. God bless until we meet again.

- Tim Ansley, Savannah, GA

From my family to yours, we are sorry for your loss. We will keep you all in our prayers.

- Jack Hogan, Savannah , GA

Sincere sympathy to Babs and the Herb family at this sad time.

- CAROLYN Louise EMERICK, Savannah, GA

To the Herb family, our thoughts are with all of you but he is at peace and enjoying his afterlife. He can do whatever he wants and not struggle. We always have memories so he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Denny!

- Harry & Sherri Connolly, Savannah, GA

First and foremost, my sincere condolences to the Herb family. Mr. Herb will be sorely missed. Secondly, I only knew Mr. Herb as a preteen/teenager through playing baseball with Dee, but Denny’s love of life was evident to all who came in contact with him. Thinking of you Dee, your brothers, and all the Herb family.

- Alan Roberts, Cary, NC

A man to be remembered and a legend to say the least. I will always remember and cherish our beloved memories from the 7th street beach crew. RIP Mr. Herb

- Christopher Christensen, Savannah, GA

Denny was a good friend to my father-in-law, fellow BC legend Larry Dillon. When I was a teenager, I had lunch with Mr. Dillon and Mr. Herb at a Mexican restaurant and Denny accused my future father-in-law of “trying to kill him with hot sauce.” He was a wonderful, congenial man, a great athlete and a good soul, and he’ll be missed. I’m sure that he, my father-in-law, and Otto Aliffi are having a great reunion in heaven!

- Mark Murphy, Savannah, GA

To Babs and all of the family of Denny, I send my deepest sympathy and condolences for his passing. In these moments of loss, words are useless. God rest his soul. Peace be with him, his family and loved ones. Denny was one of a kind. My love to each and all of you.

- Carolyn S. Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA

Herb Family, So very sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. I have known Denny from BC. I know Denny and Father AL will have a lot to discuss. May Denny Rest In The Eternal Peace Of Our Lord. God Bless

- Roy Banks, Flowery Branch, Georgia

My deepest condolences to aunt Babs and the entire Herb family

- The Fields family , Savannah , Georgia

Heartfelt condolences to you, Babs, and your family on this great loss. Prayers for all.

- Virginia ward, Tybee Island, Ga

I first met Denny when we were playing softball in the old Red League. He was a formidable, but friendly opponent. We remained friends with him over the years, as my bride, Pat, would come to all my games and watch him and his fellow teammates destroy our team. He was one of the nicest, men I've ever known, and I often wished I had even half the talent he had. He never forgot a friend, and you knew it as soon as his face lit up with that radiant smile as soon as he recognized you. God bless his family, and may God give you peace and comfort throughout your days. Danny and Pat Jackson Midway, Georgia

- Danny & Pat Jackson, Midway, Ga

Dear Babs & family, we are so sorry for your loss. Denny was such a fun loving & kind man. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. You all are in our thoughts & prayers. May he rest in peace

- Susan & David Ason, Tybee Island, Ga

To all the herbs! I send my love and condolences! I am so proud to say Denny Herb was my cousin and more important my friend. Too many memories to share but I have spent the last few days remembering spending the wonderful days on the back river as a child! But even better as a teenager allowed to go spend weeks by myself at beach ! With the herbs! The Herb home was always filled with love and adventures and stories, many stories !! I will miss you Denny , but you will live in my heart and your stories and adventures will always be told and I have no doubt when retold to my children and their children they will if possible grow even more legendary because as we know the Irish can always make a great tale even more in the retelling!! I loved you

- Ann Leonard ribock, Augusta, Ga

To the entire Herb family, you have my deepest sympathy. There is no one like Denny I’ve ever know. He always had time to talk no matter the place or time. He was beyond funny, so witty and never at a loss for words. With all his accomplishments he was humble man. I’m proud to have know Denny and call him a friend. I will miss him and may he rest in peace.

- Bobby Sauers, Richmond Hill, Georgia

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- Ronnie Phillips , Rincon, Ga

Denny was a dear and long time friend, as were all of the Herb family. His life and character will be remembered for many years. I thank God for letting me know him and sharing in many of his sporting and family events. I grieve his loss, but I also know that we will meet again. Bubba Haupt

- Reginald C Haupt, CUMMING, GA

Babs & Family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Many years of memories of Denny as my friend ,coworker at BRADDY ELECTRIC. My Dad JOE BRADDY ALWAYS thought so much of him as one of his Dearest friends and employee. REST WELL MY FRIEND

- ANN BRADDY COSNAHAN , Hilton Head , SC

My deepest sympathy to Babs & family . Denny was one of a kind , & everyone who knew him loved him. I'm so sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort each of you! Remember you'll see him one day in Heaven . I'm sure there's quite a reunion & possibly a gin game Too! Rest in peace Denny ! with sincere condolences, Beth Howard

- Beth Howard, Savannah, Georgia

I am so sorry to hear about Denny. May God bless all of the family and comfort you during this sad time. I share your sadness. I am having a medical procedure Friday morning and may not be able to attend the funeral . Cousin Betty Lee

- Betty Lee, Savannah, GA

Dee, Stephen, Sean and Brent, Sydney and I were so sorry t hear about your Dad. You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. And, may the sadness turn to happy memories with the passing of time. If you need anything let us know. Love you guys, Adrian & Sydney

- Adrian Nagy, Savannah, GA

Denny, will be terrbly missed by all of us who called him classmate, teammate, championshipmate and wonderful friend! Rest in peace, Denny. You go to heaven with much love from all of us.

- Barry & Kay Wilson, Birmingham, Alabama

To the Herb Family- Sending deep condolences to the Herb family. Denny will be missed but not forgotten.

- S.D. Sauers, Savannah, Ga

I am so grateful for knowing you Denny. I thank you for the opportunity you gave me to work for you and all the experience I got from being around you. I’m sure you are in a better place. You will be missed by everyone who ever had the good fortune to cross paths with you.

- James Evans, Savannah, Georgia

So sorry for your loss. Denny will surly be missed. A great friend.

- Robert and Brenda Simpson, Tybee Island, a.

So very sorry for your loss. Remembering how happy you were when y’all got married and your beautiful smile. God will comfort you and the sweet times you shared will be with you forever. Sappy but true. Love you Babs.

- Bill & Shirley Calhoun, Garden City , Georgia

Prayers are with the Herb family, not many people could express themselves as Denny did…he was very unique and his humor will be missed.

- Ed Cope, Savannah, Ga.

The Cunningham family sends prayers and condolences to the Herb family. We love you all and if there’s anything we can do to help let us know

- Charlie Cunningham, Savannah, Ga

Denny was a ray of sunshine. He always greeted me with a smile and amazing stories from the past. Prayers to the family.

- John and Peggy Grady, WILMINGTON ISLAND, GA

Denny was a Savanah legend that was loved by all who knew him! I have fond memories of him and hated to hear of his passing. Know that he lived a full life and raised some fine young men! Dwell great memories of good times and know there were many!

- Robyn & Michele Quattlebaum , Savannah , Georgia

Denny was truly "one of a kind" man. and I will mis him a lot. He suggested that I should run for "Grabd Marshal" and I will miss his guidance and help when I "run" in 2026. May he" Rest in Peace"

- Tom Hansen, Sr., Savannah, Ga.

That smile is 100% his Uncle Denny Leonard’s smile. RIP Denny and Uncle Denny.

- Robert Leonard, Decatur, GA

Dear Cousins. Joseph and I send our sincerest condolences on Denny's passing. He certainly had a great forfilled life. Our best to the entire family. Patrick and Joe Leonard.

- Patrick Leonard , Atlanta , Ga.

Denny was one of a kind!! He will be missed by so many. Our deepest condolences to Babs & all of the family.

- Michael & Jill Flynn, Savannah, GA

Our deepest condolences to Sean, Brent, and the entire Herb Family. May God give you Peace and Comfort.

- Edward & Sylathia Johnson, Port Wentworth, GA

Denny was a great friend and will be missed by all who knew him,. May God rest his soul and bring peace and comfort to Babs and children, grandchildren and many friends. A life well lived.

- Bill McDonald , Savannah, Ga

My prayers go out to Babs, Herb Clan & the hundreds of friends of Denny. He was larger than life and lived it as hard as he possibly could. I always looked up to Denny as I grew up and went to Blessed Sacrament. Rest In Peace my friend. You lived & loved life the "right way"! BTW you & Charlie were the best 2 half rubber foes my friend Chip Grayson & I every played!

- Paul J Weber, Savannah, GA

To the Herb Family, we extend our sincere condolences on Denny's passing. We will be thinking of and praying for you all during this difficult time. Patty and Tom Anglin

- Tom and Patty Anglin, SAVANNAH, GA

It was beyond a pleasure meeting Mr. Herb and his beautiful wife and family! May God Bless you all!!

- LaTasa Moorer , Savanna , GA

What a spectular obituary. Babs, I'm so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

- Diane Lightsey, Tybee Island, Ga

To All Denny's Family, I can't share proper feelings with words on the loss of a dear friend of do many years. What great times we had with a man that was the most fun and great company anyone could ever have wished for!! Truly" one of a kind! I was sorry that I was unable to attend his services. My prayers will long lasting! Michael T.

- Michael T Powers, Savannah, GA

A True Savannah legend that will be missed by all that knew him . A sense of humor that was off the charts , and a heart of gold . To know Denny was a special gift I will always cherish .

- Jeff Fitzpatrick, Gainesville, GA

A candle has been lit!

Heaven Holds the Faithfully Departed ( 2006 The Departed ) One of the things me and my father shared was our love for the movies. Some of my fondest memories of him were going to the movie theatre to see a new movie coming out. Two of my favorite films we saw together were The Bad News Bears ( 1976 ) and Midnight Run ( 1988 ). Rest in Peace Dad. I Love You!!!

- Stephen Herb, Savannah, Ga.

To Marsha and family: Denny was a lifelong friend and we shared many life experiences as cadets and teammates in BC sports. As semi neighbors, we did get into some occasional mischief. All who knew Denny knew and loved that he was quite a character. But also, he was a man with a great heart and a great sense of humor! Thank God we shared a lot of laughs. Denny will be remembered very fondly by all of us who know him. May God Bless and keep Denny Herb. ♥️♥️

- Barry Wilson, Birmingham(As of May/2024), Alabama

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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