William Sebring Herrick (“Beau”), age 78, passed away peacefully on Sept. 19, 2026, in Plymouth, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Beau grew up in Weston with his parents, Paul and Jane Herrick, his brother Rick, and his sister Jane. Sports were a big part of his life from an early age. He attended Deerfield Academy, where tennis and soccer were among his passions, and graduated from Denison University in 1970, where he continued to play soccer. Tennis and golf remained lifelong favorites. Beau began his career with Northwestern Mutual Life in 1971 as a special agent, remaining with the company throughout his career.
At the center of Beau’s life was his wife, Maria, whom he affectionately called “Mals.” Their story began on Martha’s Vineyard when they first met at age 13, while Beau was trimming the hedges next door. They later made Needham their home, and raised their three children, Tim, Annie, and Marion, there before moving to Plymouth in 2016.
Beau considered being a dad and coach one of his greatest successes. He coached soccer, and was a constant presence on the sidelines while his children were growing up. As they got older, he continued to show his support by cheering on their schools and proudly wearing their school gear.
Martha’s Vineyard remained one of Beau’s most special places throughout his life. East Chop became a second home and a community that meant a great deal to Beau, Maria, and their whole family. He loved tennis, birdwatching, golf at the Edgartown Golf Club, Murdick’s Fudge, and simply being surrounded by family.
Some of his happiest times on the Vineyard were spent with his grandchildren, Cate, Rose, Charlie, Oliver, Lillian, and Garrison, who knew him as “Bobo.” He loved racing around the East Chop house, playing cards, hitting tennis balls, and enjoying the sounds of family gathered together.
Beau loved a great joke, and had a few favorite sayings his family can still hear in his voice: “That’s fabulous,” “We have the best family,” and, always, “Love ya.”
Beau is survived by Maria; his children and their spouses, Tim and Meg, Annie and Michael Mortara, and Marion and Dan Cutler; his six grandchildren; his brother, Rick Herrick; his sister, Jane Mueller; and their families.
A celebration of Beau’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Needham Golf Club, 49 Green St., Needham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beau’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
And, as Beau would say, “It was a great party!”
