Obituary of Fred G. "Dynamite" Herwig

Fred G. “Dynamite” Herwig, 85, husband of Mary A. (Pegoraro) of Peabody, died on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House with his family at his side. Fred was born in Peabody, September 20, 1924, son of the late William and Emma (Jung) Herwig. He was raised in Peabody and graduated from Peabody High School Class of 1942. On December 8, 1944, Fred enlisted into the United States Army and served States side until 1946. On February 6, 1946 he re-enlisted into the United Sates Air Force and served as a corporal with the 61st Supply Squadron in Germany until receiving his honorable discharge on May 29, 1949. While in the Air Force, Fred was well recognized in the boxing circuit and missed being a participant at the 1948 Summer Olympic due to an injury that he suffered at a previous boxing match. Fred was employed as a City of Peabody water meter reader until his retirement. Fred dedicated his life to his family and later was so proud of his grandchildren and his great grandson. Fred coached the Peabody Pony, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams and for one year coached the Kennedy Junior High School Baseball Team to the league championship. Fred loved his candy, German music, dancing, western movies starring Gene Autry and John Wayne, boxing, roller-skating, gardening and was an avid baseball fan especially his Boston Red Sox. Fred was a member of the Italian American Citizens Club in Peabody and his favorite monthly dinner was rabbit night. He also was a member of the V.F.W. Fidelity Post 1011, A.O.H. Division 11, the Peabody Lodge of Elks #1409 all in Peabody and the German American Club. His family described Fred as a very giving and generous person who would help anyone in need and also support several charities. In addition to his wife with whom he shared 59 years of marriage, he is survived by his loving children, Paul Herwig of Peabody, Fred Herwig, Jr., of Hathorne, Debra Gentile and her husband Louis of Beverly, and Diane Thomas of Peabody; his grandchildren, Louis Gentile and Tim Gentile of Beverly, Heather Thomas and April Thomas of Peabody, Kristen Herwig and her fiancée Paul Conde of Malden; a great grandson, Nathan Conde, many nieces and nephews, and his companion dog Max. His son Carl W. Herwig and his brother William Herwig predeceased him. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 15, 2010 from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made in Fred’s memory to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.