Community members to remember, honor, Fall River and Swansea icon with bench dedication

Fall River citizens representing various organizations are gathering to remember a community leader, Veteran, coach, and friend, Herman Bomback on November 14th, 1:00 p.m., at Bicentennial Park, Fall River.

AL Fall River Post Commander Lisa Borges issued the following statement:

“Bomback passed away on July 4th, 2023. He gave much to the community of Fall River in ways of service that touched the lives of many. He served his country during the Vietnam War in 1972 stationed in Germany. Before devoting his time to the country’s needs and graduating from BMC Durfee High School in 1970, he was a dual athlete playing baseball and football wearing the Durfee uniform. In 2006, he was recognized by Durfee Athletics as he was inducted to Durfee’s Hall of Fame for baseball.

“After his military service, he returned to attend Bristol Community College and Southeastern Massachusetts University, (now UMASS Dartmouth) where he received degrees in police and fire science. His studies prepared him for his time as a Fall River firefighter from 1975 to 1984.

“Throughout the years, baseball continued to hold an important place in Bomback’s heart as he began coaching the city’s youth in various levels from Little League to high school. He wore many hats leading as a baseball coach to include his time at Case High School from 2008 to 2011. Other teams he led included American Legion Baseball serving as District 9 Bristol County’s Baseball Chairman. He was an American Legion member of Fall River Post 314 and eventually founded and commanded the Alan T. Fernandes Post 464 which he commanded until he passed. He also served as the District 9 Commander in 1991. Both American Legion posts baseball teams thrived when he was involved.

“He didn’t stop with Legion ball, he began his own league, the Autumn Baseball League (ABL) to give players more opportunity to play as he thought the season was not long enough. He managed to amass up to 90 teams, at one point, gathering young players from MA, RI, and Conn.

“After his love for his family, country, and the city of Fall River he found time to share his other talent as a bass guitarist playing in various Fall River bands sometimes using gigs as fundraisers to give back to the city too. Other groups he spent time with include the Free Masons at Watuppa Lodge and he was a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America- Westport Chapter #207.

“The American Legion Fall River Post 464 is hosting the bench dedication to honor his service to the community. Family, friends and members of the community are invited to attend the dedication to celebrate his service.