William Kenneth "Billy" Herman, age 78 of North Easton, formerly of West Roxbury, passed away on September 27, 2025, Beloved husband of Rosemary (Murray) Herman, Devoted son of the late Warren and Ellen (Morris) Herman of Roxbury. Loving father of Brian Herman and his wife Loretta of Webster, and Wendy (Herman) Mann and her husband Robert of North Easton. Devoted grandfather of Lindsey, Colleen, Ryan, Erik and Stephen, and great-grandfather to Stetson.
Billy was born on November 27, 1946 in Chelsea, and raised in Fort Hill Roxbury. He later met the love of his life, Rosemary, in 1963, wedding her in 1968. He served in the US Navy on the USS Oriskany while stationed in Fresno California, serving overseas in Okinawa, during the Vietnam War. Following his four years in the US Navy, Billy and Rosemary returned to Massachusetts. Billy was employed by New England Telephone Company. Billy was then appointed to the Boston Fire Department on September 27, 1972 and honorably and courageously served the City of Boston for 32 years. Billy loved his career with the Boston Fire Department in the following assignments: Engine 51, Ladder 25, Aide to District 10, Engine 55, Ladder 15, Tower Company, and Rescue 1. Billy was beloved by many of his fellow firefighters and in their words was a strong and good "jake". Billy received a Commissioners Unit Citation in 1996 and a Department of Fire Services award in 2000. Following his retirement, he worked for Brewster Ambulance Service as a Chair Car Driver.
Billy and Rosemary enjoyed over 50 years of happy marriage with raising a son and daughter. Billy and Rosemary traveled frequently on cruises, with trips to St. Thomas, Ireland and several trips to Disneyworld. During his retirement Billy enjoyed working on his Rocket 88 Oldsmobile and with raising his grandchildren.
Billy will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.
A Graveside Service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, 990 LaGrange St. West Roxbury on Saturday, October 11th at 11am. Relatives and friends invited. Please meet at the main gate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boston Firefighters Relief Association (bfdrelief.org)