Herb Van Dam, 76, of Salem, MA passed away peacefully at Salem Hospital on 7/23/23.  He was an historian, the best tour guide ever, the funniest person we ever met, folk maven, and a Paul McCartney look-alike.  A friend to many, and a beloved uncle to Alex Cidado of GA and Jill and Carly Pender and their son Bennett of Hamilton, MA.  Beloved brother-in-law to Robert Cidado of Wilmington, MA.  And of course, loving partner of forty years to Connie Fredericks of Salem, MA.

Herb was born in Chelsea, MA and grew up in Buzzards Bay, MA.  He lived many years in Boston and then settled in Salem thirty years ago.  He loved making people laugh, trips to Ireland, O'Neill's Pub in Salem, and music, particularly Johnny Cash.

Herb's life was rich in experience.  Here's a few:

Actor and comedian on Cape Cod and in Boston

Smuggler with amazing stories

Next door neighbor to a couple of scrappy brothers named Duane and Gregg Allman

Saw the Beatles twice and was chased by fans who thought he was Paul McCartney

Aide to Governor Michael Dukakis

Had dinner will Al Pacino

Met John Lennon!

Bruin's fan – many years a Boston Garden season ticket holder

Avid reader of all sorts of books

Enjoyed going to the movies and "multi-plexing" whenever possible

Lover of cats, particularly our brood through the years – Gus, Smudge, Purrl, Cash, and Flash

Was an emcee in a small club in Key West introducing a little known singer songwriter named Jimmy Buffett

Made nine fantastic visits to Ireland and at least twenty five visits to Quebec City.  Also many other trips in the U.S. and Europe

Chased Vincent van Gogh to everywhere he painted, and sang at his graveside

Passed away on the same day his dear friend Bill Morrissey did twelve years ago.  No surprise there.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Herb Van Dam at O'Neill's Pub, located at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA, on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 3pm to 8pm.  Bring a song, or a story, or both..  Donations in Herb's memory can be made to his favorite charity The Progeria Research Foundation, P. O. Box 3453, Peabody, MA 01961-3453.

Herb, this is Connie speaking to you with her voice.  Thank you for forty great years.  I love you forever and a day.