Obituary of John E. Herrick

John (Jack) Elmer Herrick, 86, of Vestal, NY passed away December 24, 2023. Jack was born on July 8, 1937 in Northampton, Massachusetts to Guy Herrick and Leonice (Gladden) Herrick Johnson. He graduated from Binghamton Central High School and Broome Tech. Jack enjoyed his work as a Civil Engineer for Broome County DPW and retired after 37 years. Jack was a proud, lifetime member of the YMCA in both Massachusetts as a child and actively in Binghamton right up until the age of eighty-five. When he was at the "Y" he could be found playing handball, racquetball, basketball, volleyball or sitting in the barber's chair because he only trusted George to cut his hair. He played many years on the YMCA's competitive volleyball team, participating in several national tournaments and making many lifelong friends along the way. Having four daughters and recognizing that there were few community sport opportunities for girls, Jack became an integral part in establishing the Johnson City Girls Softball Association. He was amazed at the skill of so many of the girls and loved coaching and watching their love of all sports grow. "Coach Herrick" maintained contact with many of his players well into their adulthood, always interested in where life was taking them. Jack enjoyed bowling, golf, horseshoes, and fishing. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved to share stories and impart his wisdom whether on the golf course, teaching them how to play Texas Hold 'em, during lake vacations while piloting the boat for tubing and water skiing but most importantly while teaching them the art and quiet joy of fishing. He and Mary more often than not, were seen cheering from the stands at their grandchildren's many events throughout the years. Jack was predeceased by his infant son Francis, mother and father, stepfather John Johnson, brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Janet Herrick, sister and brother-in-law Joan and Joseph Wanczyk, mother and father-in-law Elizabeth and Maxwell Kane, brother and sister-in-law James and Arlene Kane, and brother-in-law Anthony Riley. Jack will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Mary (Kane) Herrick; his daughters, Barbara Ritch (Greg), Elizabeth Herrick (Debra Roma), Lynn Magoulas (Tony Mueller), Patricia Herrick (Lou DeCunzo); ten grandchildren, Daniel Gregory Ritch, Kailey Elizabeth Ritch,Timothy John Ritch (Gabrielle), Christopher John Herrick (Alison), Alyssa Lynn Polosky, Grace Elizabeth Polosky (Nick Jasikoff), Allison Elizabeth Magoulas, Nicholas Guy Magoulas, Mary Victoria Camienier (Sam), Zane Herrick Agnew (Belinda Ligotino); three great-grandchildren, Ella and Aubree Ritch, Declan Polosky Jasikoff; sister-in-law Anne Riley, all of the Herrick, Wanczyk and Anstrom nieces and nephews and bonus grandson Jacob Mueller each of whom were very special to him. The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Rose, Sharon, Michelle, and Sheila for their support and friendship over the last several months. A special thank you to the staff on Ross 1 at Lourdes Hospital for their kindness and compassion during his last days. We know, undoubtedly, how much Dad loved and took pride in his "girls". We find great comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved family that went before him and whom he held so dear. We are certain that Dad was quickly welcomed by his buddies Paul Mertens and Moe Miller whom he so often spoke about and missed immensely. "What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us." - Helen Keller A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Road, Vestal at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 30. The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Binghamton YMCA.