Herbert Dyson

Herbie Dyson, 79
AUBURN - Herbert D. "Herbie" Dyson, 79, of Auburn and formerly of Worcester, died Thursday, July 5, 2012 at St. Vincent Hospital after an illness.
He leaves a daughter, Ann Marie Gaffney and her husband Michael, four sons, John H. Dyson and his wife Mary Beth, Daniel J. Dyson, David A. Dyson and his companion Carlene Tivnan; and Barry C. Dyson and his companion Deb Shanley, all of Worcester; seven grandchildren, Kevin and Melissa Gaffney, Katie and Sara Dyson, Jennifer Shepard, and Corey and David Dyson; his former wife, Barbara L. Murphy of Worcester, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. His son Paul F. Dyson died in 1988.
Herbie was born in Worcester son of Herbert and Eva L. (Campolito) Dyson. He graduated from Worcester South High School and Admiral Billard Academy in New London, Conn.
After serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict including duty in Japan, he entered Assumption College, graduating in 1959.
Herbie had a long and successful run playing basketball. He was a 1952 Telegram & Gazette All-Star from South High. He played at Admiral Billard Academy and Assumption College, where he was a member of the legendary 1956-1957 team that won 21 games and defeated both Providence and Holy Cross colleges. In 2007, the entire team was inducted into the Assumption College Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame. He also played many years in the Parks Summer League and the local Semi-Pro League. He continued his involvement in basketball as a longtime IAABO high school referee.
He loved to cook and spent most of his life in the food business. He started with his parents in their family bakery, then as a cook for a time in the Army, followed by working as a wholesale food rep and caterer, before opening his own place. Herbie established and ran a restaurant and bar, which still bears his name, on Southbridge St. in Worcester for more than 25 years, until he retired in 1999. Herbie believed that food and drink mixed with talk of sports enriched his life and the lives of his countless friends.
Herbie organized and sponsored dozens of local sports programs in Worcester, including bowling, dart, softball, football, golf leagues, and tournaments. He had a soft heart for, and generously supported any cause involving kids in sports. He established a fund in memory of his son Paul which continues to award scholarships to worthy students of South High Community School.
Herbie was a spirited leader, master of ceremonies and a merciless roaster for the Metropolitan Diners Club, and helped the Dinettes with their events, as well. For more than 20 years, he organized a Super Bowl trip for a group of his fortunate friends. He was a member of the Webster Sq. Business Assn. and the Main South American Legion.
Calling hours are Sunday, July 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Monday, July 9 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Our Lady of the Angels Building Fund, 1222 Main St., Worcester 01603.