Edward "Ed" James Herson

Edward "Ed" James Herson Age 88

Sebastopol CA - Ed died very peacefully with loved ones at his side. He was a brilliant, creative, and kind man with a deep spirit. Ed attended St. Louis University High School and entered the Jesuit Seminary at age 17, where he spent the next 10 years and received bachelor and master's degrees. Following a new calling to teach and create theater, he did graduate work at the University of Illinois and then spent 35 years on the faculty at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he spearheaded the building of a professional theater and the creation of a Department of Theater Arts. He was known as a master teacher who inspired students to pursue careers in directing, acting, education, or whatever made them feel most alive. Ed moved to Sebastopol in 1997 and loved living in the quiet beauty of trees, gardens and birds. He was retired for 5 minutes before beginning a job teaching drama at Sonoma Country Day School for the next 11 years, where he found delight in inspiring the younger generation. He loved sailing, Argentine tango, classical music, opera, and the natural world. He found joy in connecting with the Mexican culture through his role as "abuelito" to a beloved family of choice. He is survived by his cherished wife of 44 years, Deborah Madansky, M.D., his three children Edward, James, and Stephanie, and five grandchildren, Tyler, Joshua, Emily, Ellie and Owen.

Donations may be sent to the Sonoma County Secure Families Collaborative or the charity of your choice. He lived at 12345 Dupont Road and memories and a date for his Celebration of Life may be found at edward-james-herson.forervermissed.com