Herbert M. Varnum

WORCESTER – Herbert M. Varnum, age 88, died peacefully on Saturday, September, 6, 2025 after a brief illness. He passed away at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.

Herb was born in Worcester, the son of Edward and Betsey (Mason) Varnum. He grew up in North Brookfield and attended Williston Academy before earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Williams College in 1959, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha, the first fraternity on campus. During his Junior year, Herb found himself in the Dean’s Office (for reasons unknown). While he was waiting to see the Dean, he struck up a conversation with the Dean’s secretary, Jean Smith, and he was smitten. Six months later (after many more visits to the Dean’s office), Jean became his bride.

Shortly after they wed, Herb and Jean moved to Williston Academy in Easthampton MA where Herb taught French at his alma mater, and he and Jean served as Dorm Parents. Herb later went on to work at Quabaug Corporation, a family business founded by his Grandfather, Herbert Mason in 1916. He remained at Quabaug for 35 years, serving as Treasurer, Vice President, and President, before retiring in 1995 as its CEO. The company manufactured Vibram soles and heels and produced the soles for the U.S. military since WWII.

Dedicated to his community, Herb helped guide many businesses over the years, serving on the boards of Anna Maria College, Shawmut Worcester County National Bank, American Footwear Industries Assoc., Two/Ten Associates, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Mohegan Council, State Mutual of America, And Hanover Insurance Company, and served as the Chairman of the Central Massachusetts Employers Association.

Herb also served several terms as a Selectman for the Town of Paxton, and on the Board of Governors at Worcester Country Club. Herb and Jean were dedicated members of the First Congregational Church of Paxton, where he served as Deacon, Moderator and on numerous committees.

Herb was an avid golfer for many years, achieving two hole-in-ones during his lifetime of play; he was a voracious reader, an accomplished chess player, and he treasured the many years of traveling he did with Jean as well as the time they spent at their vacation home in Maine. But his greatest passion was his family. With all the many opportunities he was afforded in his lifetime, his happy place was at always at home with Jean by his side. And his greatest joys were times spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was so proud of them all.

Herb was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He lived his life with humility and practiced kindness above all. He was witty, welcoming, giving and generous to a fault. An eternal optimist, he always saw the glass half-full and was thankful for his many blessings. Even during his illness, his attitude was of gratitude, saying “I’ve had a great life; I have a beautiful wife and a loving family. No regrets.”

Herb will be lovingly missed and remembered by his cherished wife of exactly 67 years, Jean S. (Smith) Varnum of Worcester; his devoted children, Karen (Matt) Mulcahy, and her partner, John Scully of Holden, and Susan Marrone and her husband, Vincent of Tennessee; his grandchildren, Sean Matt and his wife, Bryanna, Melissa Huffstetler and her husband, Scott, Stephen Matt and his fiancee, Danielle; his great-grandchildren, Ellie Matt, Roan Matt and Levi Huffstetler; his sister-in-law, Sandra Varnum; his former sister-in-law Martha Thayer, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Herb was predeceased by his twin brother, Roger E. Varnum, his infant sister, Judith Varnum; his parents, Edward and Betsey Varnum; his brother-in-law Robert D. Smith, and former sister-in-law Roberta (Whitney) Smith.

The family wishes to thank the many medical professionals and others who cared for Herb over the past year - in particular: the Nurses, Aides and staff at Benchmark/Tatnuck Park; Dr. Daniel Massarelli; Dr. Michael Wollin; the Visiting Nurses from Care Central VNA; Dr. Wyatt DeLomba; the Palliative Care Team, Doctors and Nurses at Memorial Hospital, and the amazing staff at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, where Herb spent the last two months of his life. Their gentle and compassionate care provided great comfort to Herb and his loved ones during his illness.

There are no calling hours. Family and friends will gather to honor Herb’s remarkable life at a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM on Friday, September 26th, 2025 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Interment at Mooreland Cemetery in Paxton will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Herb’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.