Herbert Wass Memorial

We recognize it is Father's Day, and a busy time. If you can join us, here are some options for traveling to Martha's Vineyard for the day.

Herbert Wass, from Indiana - Journalist to Vice-President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Of Topsfield, MA, died at the family cottage in Oak Bluffs, October 24, 2022. Despite health challenges dating back to a stroke in 2011, Herb lived fully into his 90th year, spending his final summer at the family cottage. He and wife Dorothy celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August. Herb retired as Vice-President & Secretary of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; he served from 1968-1995, from Arthur Burns through Alan Greenspan. He previously taught Economics at Muskingum College, City College of NY, and UVM. He was born in Fort Wayne, IN on July 3, 1932 to Donald & Margaret Wass. 

His writing and entrepreneurial spirit started early, writing and selling a neighborhood newspaper for a nickel. At Earlham College he simultaneously wooed Dorothy Teal, wrote sports & news for the Richmond Palladium, and worked in the cafeteria, at funeral parlor, at stock car races and as umpire. For his Masters he chose economics at the University of Chicago, over journalism, but remained a lifelong letter writer, known for his witty Christmas letters (never holding back on liberal politics). Thanks to Muskingum colleague, artist William Blakesley, the Wasses have a 64-year and four-generation relationship with Martha's Vineyard and its arts community. Herb was also active in Topsfield civic life, serving on the Finance Committee and as a Trustee. After retirement Herb was full-time "Gramp," teasing another generation (and teaching them money management). He defied death more times than a herd of cats. 

Herb is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughters, Peggy Sturdivant & her spouse Martin Tollefson, and Gretchen Rehak & her spouse Walter Rehak; and grandchildren, Emily, Jonah, Sarah & Grace. He is also survived by older sister, Nancy Robertson, her husband Kenneth and their children; and the three daughters of his late sister, Mary Ellen Osborne, all of whom were his favorite niece. Donations can be made to World Central Kitchen wck.org or the Herbert Wass Memorial fund to support arts & community at Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, PO Box 1685, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, mvcma.org He always read the obituaries first.