Celebrating the life of
Herbert Smith Traub
August 31, 1917 - March 20, 2008
Herbert S. Traub, Jr.
August 31, 1917 – March 20, 2008
Herbert Smith Traub, Jr, whose cheerful demeanor and generous spirit endeared him to generations of Savannahians and enticed legions of tourists to love his home town, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday at 90 years of age after a bout with leukemia that lasted only one week. Traub's philosophy approaching old age was, "I'd rather wear out than rust out." His night out on the town just last week at a Mannheim Steamroller concert proved the point.
Until the final illness forced him out, Traub slept in the bed where he was born at the house built that same year, 1917. Although deeply rooted in Savannah, he was not root bound. His zany marketing chutzpah enticed a wide American and international public into his flagship business, the Pirates' House Restaurant.
His fantasies spoke to the masses and through him their childhood dreams came true: "pirate-sized" portions and "huge, luscious desserts" served up in a rabbit warren of 23 dining rooms complete with thunder and lightening in a "Rain Forest Bar." Traub's sense of style held his exuberance in check and secured the remarkable success of his endeavors. Under Traub's leadership, the Pirates' House was noted as one of America's 50 most successful restaurants.
His drive for "better and more" led to illuminated monuments in Savannah's downtown squares, fountains jetting high in the air over Daffin Park, and the glittering restoration of the Lucas Theater, just three of many Traub-sized projects he helped to completion throughout his long life. Public platforms for this leadership included, in earlier years, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and later the Rotary Club.
Savannahians who dealt with this master of grand public gestures in his personal life got the same treatment, just on more intimate terms. Friends knew to expect pots of flowers or boxes of Benne Wafers when the occasion warranted and sometimes when it didn't. He insinuated himself into the lives of his bank tellers, pharmacy clerks, florists, and doctors' nurses with humor and acts of intimate kindness, like post cards or gifts sent back while he was away on vacation.
An admiring public returned the respect with dozens of business awards and citations over the decades. With the Ivy Award, his peers in the American hospitality business once elected him America's top restaurateur. Closer to home, the Traub Award, Savannah's premier hospitality award, came to him the first year it was given, after admirers created it to honor Traub and his late wife, Franklin Smith Traub.
Herb Traub is survived by his son Herbert S. Traub, III, daughter-in-law Dr. Ulrike Patzl, and grandson Herbert S. Traub, IV, of Vienna, Austria; his son Richard Lilienthal Traub; daughter-in-law Mary Whiting, and granddaughters Sarah and Rebecca Traub of Blue Hill, Maine; daughter Kimberly Kron Traub Ribbens and grandsons Pieter and Lucas Ribbens, of Savannah; his brother Stephen L. Traub and sister-in-law Elizabeth Traub of Savannah, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Traub had a special fondness for Armstrong College, his alma mater, and he was recently excited that Armstrong Atlantic State University had begun offering courses in historic preservation, hospitality, and other arts relevant to developing and marketing Savannah's assets. To support this program, remembrances may be sent to Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation, Herbert S. Traub, Jr. Award, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah 31419.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at Congregation Mickve Israel on Monterey Square.
Interment will be private.
Grandpa, I'm working on a senior memory book. It is crazy I am graduating from high school this year. I love you so much and miss you everyday. You were a huge part of your families lives and I know you are smiling down from heaven. Stay classy. Love, Lucas
- Lucas Traub Ribbens, Savannah, GA
What a wonderful legacy Herb leaves - restaurateur supreme, community leader, friend and mentor to so many. A warm, friendly, likeable man so supportive to so many causes and to Savannah, and to his friends, who now sets sail on his Pirate Ship to what we pray is eternal bliss.
- Ginger and Jerry Caplan, Savannah, GA
It was a long time ago, and far away, but well-remembered: how to set the table, how the food was prepared, how to enjoy a fine meal. My sympathies to the Traub family--please know that Herb made a lasting and meaningful contribution to generations of attendees of 'Herb's Finishing School.'
- Rodney Cohen, Boca Raton, FL
Herb Traub's death marks a real loss for his family and for the greater Savannah community. We are poorer for his passing.
- Chris Barbieri, Savannah, GA
Mr. Traub was not only the quintessential restaraunteur, and most perfect embodiment of a gentleman, but also the best promoter of Savannah that she has ever had. Much of the city’s current success as a tourist destination is attributable to Herb Traub's tireless efforts to tell the world about his beloved city during the 1950’s 60’s and 70’s. The groundwork he laid is the infrastructure upon which our current tourist economy was built. I was lucky to have gotten to know Mr. Traub before I was 12 years old. He was a loving family man who participated in his children's lives, and was friendly and engaging to his children's friends. He supported his wife in her endeavors as the co-author of Sojourn in Savannah, the city’s first, and to me the best, comprehensive guidebook. He kept in touch with family members and friends and was supportive of them. At The Pirate's House and in the community he was a teacher, mentor, and friend to all those who worked for or with him. Herb believed in doing what ever job was necessary to get the mission accomplished. In his restaurant he worked as promoter, salesman, purchasing agent, bookkeeper, manager, host, maitre’d , cashier, waiter, cook, salad maker, busboy, dishwasher, and cleaning person. In an industry known for its high turnover of employees, he had scores of employees who worked for him 20 years or more. In his business and personal affairs Herb Traub conducted himself with honesty, humor, humility, friendliness, and integrity at all times. He made friends easily, and was pleasant and courteous in his dealings with people. Most who knew him thought highly of him. I know that I am a better person for having known him. Savannah is a better place because he was her citizen. His family, his friends, and his city can celebrate in the knowledge that he has left this world a better place than he found it.
- James B. Blackburn, Jr., Savannah, GA
My sincere sympathy to the family. Remember this is the time for the family to lean on each other, for with family you are strong.
- Herb Harley, Savannah, GA
Herb Traub was a 'people' person-- who was delightful to be around and was always glad to see you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Kit, Rick and Kim.
- Keith Berry, Savannah, GA
My sincere and deepest condolances to the Traub family. Mr. Traub will be sorely missed and fondly remembered for the rest of our lives. His legacy goes way beyond our ideas of community involvement. Mr Traub and the Traub family are responsible for educating generations of Savannah's youth. His book, 'What every boy and girl should know', transcends our normal day to day mental capacities. Mr. Traub was concerned with how we as children would grow up and conduct ourselves in society. He was not only concerned with his restaurant, but also concerned with his people, and our growth and developement as human beings. How we treat each other, on a day to day basis, was his true message of hope and strength and community. It is with great humility and respect that I would dare try and follow his lead for our community. Thank you, Mr. Traub, for my sister, my brother, my mother, and my father, we will miss you and your involvement in our lives.
- matthew cohen - The New South Cafe, savannah, GA
Our deepest condolances to the Traub family. A great man will be sorely missed.
- Bunny Cohen, savannah, GA
Kim, Kit and Richard please accept my sincere condolences. Your Dad was an unique man, kind, helpful and always with a good dose of humor. I am fortunate to have known him. Rosemarie
- Rosemarie Mastison, Savannah, GA
We loved Herb...and we appreciate all he did for us and our community. Our prayers are with the Traub family. Rev. Billy Hester and the members of Asbury Memorial UMC and Asbury Memorial Theatre
- Rev. Billy Hester, Savannah, GA
My grandmother Emma J. Moore worked for the Traub's for many many years. The Traub's were like a second family to ours. Mr. Traub was always kind, funny and always had a smile on his face. When my grandmother passed away Mr. Traub, Kim and others were there in the kitchen helping to serve our family. The Moore Family will always have a special place in our hearts for the Traubs. Thank you.
- Wanda Moore Greene, Savannah, GA
Our sincere condolences to the Traub family.
- Betty & Chuck Lehr, , GA
I send my deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Herb Traub, everybodys' 'buddy'. -One of your ex Pirate's House Employees and 'buddies', Eva Jackson
- Eva Jackson, Savannah, GA
Losing a loved one is always hard, especially when that loved one was legendary! He was an inspiration to many, many people in Savannah's restaurant industry. Remember the good times and know that with him were many.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
A friend and a fellow Rotarian
- Robert J. Merritt, Savannah, GA
Mr. Traub was such a great man and the best employer I ever had-I will miss him. My deepest condolences to the Traub family. Love Carol Ann Kaminsky
- Carol Ann Kaminsky, Tybee Island, GA
I fully enjoyed working for Mr. Traub years ago at the Pirate's House. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
- Diane Moore-Pinckney, Savannah, GA
We extend our deepest sympathy to Herb's children and grandchildren. He was a treasured friend of my family for many years. Herb met my Mother, Dorothy Miller, when he was at Armstrong College, and that began a lifelong friendship for all of us. He was one of our favorite people when we were growing up, and seeing him and having a visit was always a treat. He will be greatly missed in Savannah and everywhere else where there is someone who knew him.
- Nancy Miller Pearce, Denver, CO
We share your loss. I always felt Herb was a member of our family. So many memories. I will never forget all the many kind things he did for my mother Dorothy Miller.
- Mardy Miller Fulenwider, Gainesville, GA
I grew up listening to the wonderful stories of Betty, Stephen and Herbert. My condolences to the entire family. May his spirit enrich the heavens and leave us earthly beings wanting more. With great love and affection, Debbie and Randy
- Debbie and Randy Butler, Watkinsville, GA
A kind and generous man with a big heart who will be missed by many that knew him. Sympathy and prayers to his family and his many friends.
- Jackie Dover, Savannah, GA
My condolences to the Traub family all those who will miss this great Savannahian.
- Jim Anderson, Savannah, GA
Mr. Traub, you will be missed by all those who knew you and be remembered by those you taught. You were a mentor and will always be an icon in Savannah's succesful hospitality industy, you taught me the importance of the local community and the value of good service. Thank you,
- Deborah Bouchea, Savannah, GA
Mr. Herb Traub will be forever missed in Boaen Mechanical's heart and we send our deepest condolences to the Traub family.
- Marci Upchurch & Michele Bolton- Boaen Mechanical, Savannah, GA
Goodbye to one of Savannahs greatest persons. He will be sorely missed.
- Susan & Reed Dulany, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolences to the Traub family for your loss. Never have I come in contact with someone like him. He always brightened my day here at Candler, and I will miss his unique sense of humor, however I will never forget him. I am extremely thankful to have met him, for he definately had a great impact on me.
- Courtney Buckner, Savannah, GA
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Traub family with the loss of such a great man. Mr. Traub was a well-respected businessman in Savannah, but above all, was a gentleman. I would like to say on behalf of my grandfather, Louis, my father, Buddy, and myself how much we appreciated his business and professional support throughout his years with The Pirates House. He believed in supporting the local economy and conducted his business transactions with honesty and integrity. Mr. Traub was a vital component of the positive strides Savannah has made in the economic sector. His example will live on but the man will be greatly missed. Louis C. Mathews, III Louis C. Mathews Seafood
- Louis C. Mathews, III, Savannah, GA
Grandpa, I'm working on a senior memory book. It is crazy I am graduating from high school this year. I love you so much and miss you everyday. You were a huge part of your families lives and I know you are smiling down from heaven. Stay classy. Love, Lucas
- Lucas Traub Ribbens, Savannah, GA
What a wonderful legacy Herb leaves - restaurateur supreme, community leader, friend and mentor to so many. A warm, friendly, likeable man so supportive to so many causes and to Savannah, and to his friends, who now sets sail on his Pirate Ship to what we pray is eternal bliss.
- Ginger and Jerry Caplan, Savannah, GA
It was a long time ago, and far away, but well-remembered: how to set the table, how the food was prepared, how to enjoy a fine meal. My sympathies to the Traub family--please know that Herb made a lasting and meaningful contribution to generations of attendees of 'Herb's Finishing School.'
- Rodney Cohen, Boca Raton, FL
Herb Traub's death marks a real loss for his family and for the greater Savannah community. We are poorer for his passing.
- Chris Barbieri, Savannah, GA
Mr. Traub was not only the quintessential restaraunteur, and most perfect embodiment of a gentleman, but also the best promoter of Savannah that she has ever had. Much of the city’s current success as a tourist destination is attributable to Herb Traub's tireless efforts to tell the world about his beloved city during the 1950’s 60’s and 70’s. The groundwork he laid is the infrastructure upon which our current tourist economy was built. I was lucky to have gotten to know Mr. Traub before I was 12 years old. He was a loving family man who participated in his children's lives, and was friendly and engaging to his children's friends. He supported his wife in her endeavors as the co-author of Sojourn in Savannah, the city’s first, and to me the best, comprehensive guidebook. He kept in touch with family members and friends and was supportive of them. At The Pirate's House and in the community he was a teacher, mentor, and friend to all those who worked for or with him. Herb believed in doing what ever job was necessary to get the mission accomplished. In his restaurant he worked as promoter, salesman, purchasing agent, bookkeeper, manager, host, maitre’d , cashier, waiter, cook, salad maker, busboy, dishwasher, and cleaning person. In an industry known for its high turnover of employees, he had scores of employees who worked for him 20 years or more. In his business and personal affairs Herb Traub conducted himself with honesty, humor, humility, friendliness, and integrity at all times. He made friends easily, and was pleasant and courteous in his dealings with people. Most who knew him thought highly of him. I know that I am a better person for having known him. Savannah is a better place because he was her citizen. His family, his friends, and his city can celebrate in the knowledge that he has left this world a better place than he found it.
- James B. Blackburn, Jr., Savannah, GA
My sincere sympathy to the family. Remember this is the time for the family to lean on each other, for with family you are strong.
- Herb Harley, Savannah, GA
Herb Traub was a 'people' person-- who was delightful to be around and was always glad to see you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Kit, Rick and Kim.
- Keith Berry, Savannah, GA
My sincere and deepest condolances to the Traub family. Mr. Traub will be sorely missed and fondly remembered for the rest of our lives. His legacy goes way beyond our ideas of community involvement. Mr Traub and the Traub family are responsible for educating generations of Savannah's youth. His book, 'What every boy and girl should know', transcends our normal day to day mental capacities. Mr. Traub was concerned with how we as children would grow up and conduct ourselves in society. He was not only concerned with his restaurant, but also concerned with his people, and our growth and developement as human beings. How we treat each other, on a day to day basis, was his true message of hope and strength and community. It is with great humility and respect that I would dare try and follow his lead for our community. Thank you, Mr. Traub, for my sister, my brother, my mother, and my father, we will miss you and your involvement in our lives.
- matthew cohen - The New South Cafe, savannah, GA
Our deepest condolances to the Traub family. A great man will be sorely missed.
- Bunny Cohen, savannah, GA
Kim, Kit and Richard please accept my sincere condolences. Your Dad was an unique man, kind, helpful and always with a good dose of humor. I am fortunate to have known him. Rosemarie
- Rosemarie Mastison, Savannah, GA
We loved Herb...and we appreciate all he did for us and our community. Our prayers are with the Traub family. Rev. Billy Hester and the members of Asbury Memorial UMC and Asbury Memorial Theatre
- Rev. Billy Hester, Savannah, GA
My grandmother Emma J. Moore worked for the Traub's for many many years. The Traub's were like a second family to ours. Mr. Traub was always kind, funny and always had a smile on his face. When my grandmother passed away Mr. Traub, Kim and others were there in the kitchen helping to serve our family. The Moore Family will always have a special place in our hearts for the Traubs. Thank you.
- Wanda Moore Greene, Savannah, GA
Our sincere condolences to the Traub family.
- Betty & Chuck Lehr, , GA
I send my deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Herb Traub, everybodys' 'buddy'. -One of your ex Pirate's House Employees and 'buddies', Eva Jackson
- Eva Jackson, Savannah, GA
Losing a loved one is always hard, especially when that loved one was legendary! He was an inspiration to many, many people in Savannah's restaurant industry. Remember the good times and know that with him were many.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
A friend and a fellow Rotarian
- Robert J. Merritt, Savannah, GA
Mr. Traub was such a great man and the best employer I ever had-I will miss him. My deepest condolences to the Traub family. Love Carol Ann Kaminsky
- Carol Ann Kaminsky, Tybee Island, GA
I fully enjoyed working for Mr. Traub years ago at the Pirate's House. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
- Diane Moore-Pinckney, Savannah, GA
We extend our deepest sympathy to Herb's children and grandchildren. He was a treasured friend of my family for many years. Herb met my Mother, Dorothy Miller, when he was at Armstrong College, and that began a lifelong friendship for all of us. He was one of our favorite people when we were growing up, and seeing him and having a visit was always a treat. He will be greatly missed in Savannah and everywhere else where there is someone who knew him.
- Nancy Miller Pearce, Denver, CO
We share your loss. I always felt Herb was a member of our family. So many memories. I will never forget all the many kind things he did for my mother Dorothy Miller.
- Mardy Miller Fulenwider, Gainesville, GA
I grew up listening to the wonderful stories of Betty, Stephen and Herbert. My condolences to the entire family. May his spirit enrich the heavens and leave us earthly beings wanting more. With great love and affection, Debbie and Randy
- Debbie and Randy Butler, Watkinsville, GA
A kind and generous man with a big heart who will be missed by many that knew him. Sympathy and prayers to his family and his many friends.
- Jackie Dover, Savannah, GA
My condolences to the Traub family all those who will miss this great Savannahian.
- Jim Anderson, Savannah, GA
Mr. Traub, you will be missed by all those who knew you and be remembered by those you taught. You were a mentor and will always be an icon in Savannah's succesful hospitality industy, you taught me the importance of the local community and the value of good service. Thank you,
- Deborah Bouchea, Savannah, GA
Mr. Herb Traub will be forever missed in Boaen Mechanical's heart and we send our deepest condolences to the Traub family.
- Marci Upchurch & Michele Bolton- Boaen Mechanical, Savannah, GA
Goodbye to one of Savannahs greatest persons. He will be sorely missed.
- Susan & Reed Dulany, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolences to the Traub family for your loss. Never have I come in contact with someone like him. He always brightened my day here at Candler, and I will miss his unique sense of humor, however I will never forget him. I am extremely thankful to have met him, for he definately had a great impact on me.
- Courtney Buckner, Savannah, GA
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Traub family with the loss of such a great man. Mr. Traub was a well-respected businessman in Savannah, but above all, was a gentleman. I would like to say on behalf of my grandfather, Louis, my father, Buddy, and myself how much we appreciated his business and professional support throughout his years with The Pirates House. He believed in supporting the local economy and conducted his business transactions with honesty and integrity. Mr. Traub was a vital component of the positive strides Savannah has made in the economic sector. His example will live on but the man will be greatly missed. Louis C. Mathews, III Louis C. Mathews Seafood
- Louis C. Mathews, III, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
