Paid notice: Harold “Herb” Herbert, age 89 of Montauk, passed away on August 9, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born on May 16, 1937, in Southampton, NY, to parents Harold and Ruth Herbert. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of family, friendship, and service to his community.
Herb was raised in North Sea, where his lifelong love of outdoor activities began. He graduated from Southampton High School, Dean Junior College, and Adelphi University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. He was a member of the North Sea Fire Department for five years before joining the Montauk Fire Department in 1965, where he held many positions and was awarded “Fireman of the Year” in 2000.
In 1963, Herb opened Herb’s Market, a grocery store, deli, and meat market, which became an unofficial social center of Montauk — a place where both locals and visitors could gather, catch up with one another, share stories, and always feel welcome. Many of his customers became his lifelong friends.
In 1964, he married Chrissy, and for 38 years, they worked side by side, building a successful business that became a special part of Montauk. Not only were they well-known for their award-winning fried chicken, but also their humorous slogan “you can’t beat Herb’s meat.”
In one of his proudest moments, in1992 Herb was selected by the Montauk Friends of Erin to be the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
After retiring, Herb and Chrissy enjoyed a wonderful new chapter together, spending time with their children and grandchildren, attending many NASCAR races, and traveling the world with a great group of fellow Montauk locals and friends.
To those who knew him, Herb was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Kind, humble, hardworking, and unfailingly polite. He treated everyone with the same kindness, courtesy, and respect.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Chrissy; daughter Susan and her partner Mike; daughter Gail and her partner Gabe; grandchildren Jacob, Adam, Gian, and David; and his sister, Janice and her husband, Al.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 9 pm, with a Firematic Service at 7 pm, at Yardley and Pino Funeral Home, 94 Pantigo Road, East Hampton. Graveside service will be on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11 am at Fort Hill Cemetery, Montauk.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Herb’s memory to the Montauk Fire Department, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.
