A musician known for his genuine and kind nature
WAKEFIELD — Frank Herland Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 4, 2021.
Frank was the son of Alfred and Emma Herland, and was born in Melrose on November 19, 1937.
He was a graduate of Melrose High School Class of 1955 where he was active in sports and made the varsity swim team as a freshman. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Wentworth Institute in Boston in 1959. He served several years as a member of the National Guard achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Frank Herland married the love of his life, Marylou Boudreau, in September of 1961 and celebrated 58 years of a loving marriage together. Frank and Marylou settled in Wakefield where they raised their three sons, Frank Jr., Scott and John. Frank worked in management for 40 plus years at AT&T from which he retired.
He was a lover of music, a gifted singer and guitar player who managed and performed with his own band for several decades. He got his children started in music at a young age and was very proud when his sons showed that same passion for music and eventually formed the Herland Brothers Band. He became an active member of the band as the light show engineer and honed his craft to where he became sought after by local bands and national acts. Frank (“Mr. H”) was a respected member of the local music scene and was known for his genuine and kind nature. He enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, gardening and home improvement projects where his talents as a carpenter shined. He had a tremendous work ethic, was rarely one to sit idle and always willing to help others right up to his final days. He loved spending time with his family at his favorite place, the family camp at Little Sebago Lake in Gray, Maine.
Frank was a beloved husband, father, grandfather (“Poppi”) and friend who touched so many lives and will be dearly missed.
Frank was predeceased by his wife Mary Lou, brother Richard Herland and sister Dorothy Campbell. He is survived by his sister Lois Mara; son Frank Herland Jr. and wife, Windy (Duest) Herland, of Methuen; son Scott Herland and wife, Dona (Chase) Herland, of Derry, NH; son John Herland and wife, Denise (Dalton) Herland, of Wakefield; and seven grandchildren, Jamie, Justin, Tyler, Brady, Zachary, Todd and Hope Herland.
Funeral Service will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, December 10 at 11 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, December 9 from 3 – 7 p.m.
