Robert Michael Herbert

In Loving Memory of Robert Michael Herbert June 19, 1954 – August 19, 2026 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Michael Herbert, affectionately known as “Bob” or “Bobby,” or “Mr. Herbert,” who left us peacefully at his home. Born on June 19, 1954, in Staten Island, New York, Robert’s journey was one of passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to his family, his many students, and the arts. Robert was a man of many talents and interests, whose early years were marked by academic excellence and a deep fondness for music and theater. He attended St. Clare’s from 1959 to 1967, where he was an active participant in the Altar Boys, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts, and even demonstrated his intellectual prowess by skipping the second grade. His childhood was enriched by summer days at the Great Kills Swim Club, spending time with friends on Robinson Avenue, playing guitar in the band “The Second Summer,” which was comprised of his childhood friends and classmates and forming friendship circles throughout the different eras of his life that would last a lifetime. Continuing his education at Msgr. Farrell High School from 1967 to 1971, Robert excelled in the Honors Program, contributed to the Glee Club, and wrote for the school paper. His passion for the arts shone brightly as he starred in numerous dramas and musicals at his alma mater, Moore, Sea, and Hill. He pursued his love for the performing arts at SUNY Oneonta, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974 while also performing and directing in numerous productions. He was also involved with Renato Productions, participating in summer community theater productions for Staten Island high school and college students, including The Pajama Game and Fiddler on the Roof. His academic journey continued with a Master of Science through SUNY Oneonta, followed by a Master of Education through Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in 2002. A devoted educator, Robert’s teaching career spanned from 1978 to 2009. He left an indelible mark at Msgr. Farrell High School, where he taught English and directed beloved student productions such as Guys & Dolls and Damn Yankees. His career with the NYC Board of Education included positions at Brooklyn Tech and Tottenville High School, where he taught English, Speech, and Theatre, and directed memorable productions such as Grease, Evitaand Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Raincoat. He was also known for leading international travel groups, enriching the lives of his students beyond the classroom. He valued the time he spent with his students and loved his job greatly. Robert’s passion for theater extended into his community involvement with the Staten Island Civic Theatre, where he acted and directed in many successful productions, including his iconic performance as Tevya in Fiddler. For Center Stage Productions he directed Evita, considered to be in the pantheon of Staten Island theater. In 1977, he chartered Staten Island Summer Musical Theatre, where he produced and directed The Fantasticks, Company and Candide, among others. Even after moving to New Jersey for a time, he continued to contribute to community theater productions, sharing his love for the arts with all who knew him. Robert retired from the NYC Department of Education in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of inspired students and cherished memories. His love for Broadway, music, concerts, cooking, traveling—particularly to Europe—and the New York Giants & New York Mets was well-known among friends and family. He was known for his quick wit, stoic nature, positive demeanor, musical flair, and countless “Bob-isms,” bringing joy, laughter, and adventure to every gathering. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, David Michael Herbert and Dolores Jean Herbert; his dear sister, Lynn Ann Herbert-Payne; and his paternal aunt, Patricia Dalgarn. Robert leaves behind a loving family, including his niece Lindsay Payne; niece and Goddaughter Sara Payne; nephew Alan Payne Jr.; and brother-in-law Alan Payne Sr. He was a proud uncle who always made sure he participated in and showed up to family functions. He was also a proud great-uncle to Madilynn, Jackson, and Maxwell, who will carry forward his legacy of kindness and creativity. Even throughout his injury and the difficult years that followed, his great-niece and great-nephews remained at the forefront of his thoughts. He would often ask how they were doing and, whenever he could, made sure to send them little gifts. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Robert’s memory to a charity of your choice, honoring his lifelong commitment to education and the arts. Though Robert will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created. In addition to his beloved family, Robert leaves behind many dear friends who touched his life and made his journey here a good one, and, in recent years, a little easier by sharing memories, tunes, laughter, and simply their presence. Thank you. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the melodies and stories he loved so dearly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:45 AM on Wednesday at St Clare Church located at 110 Nelson Ave Staten Island, New York 10308. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York.

Robert Michael Herbert

June 19, 1954 - August 19, 2026