Herbert N. “Herb” Basiliere Jr.
Herbert N. “Herb” Basiliere Jr., 89, a lifelong resident of Haverhill and owner of the former Herb’s Seafood in Haverhill, died June 30, at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.
Born, raised and educated in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Herbert and Eva (Dionne) Basiliere. He attended Saint Joseph Grammar School and Haverhill Trade School before working in the local shoe industry. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Basiliere served as a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1952 until 1954, and was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Following his honorable discharge from the service, Basiliere returned home to join his father in his newly established business, Herb’s Seafood, which was located for decades in Lafayette Square, Haverhill. Eventually Herb Jr. owned and operated the business with the help of his wife Rita, family members and longtime employees. Over the years, Herb’s Seafood became a landmark in Lafayette Square.
“Fish” was Basiliere’s whole life. His longstanding reputation for providing his loyal customers the “best and most fresh” seafood was based on the fact that he offered friendly and fast service coupled with his daily trips to meet the local fishing boats. Basiliere sold Herb’s Seafood to his daughter Mary Ann in 1997 but remained active in the business. He was also a source of support and mentoring to his daughter and son-in-law in the operation of All American Tavern of Salisbury, which continues the family tradition of excellent food and service.
A lifelong member of All Saints Parish and the former Saint Joseph Parish of Haverhill and a Life Member of the Haverhill Lodge of Elks, Basiliere and his family enjoyed yearly trips to Hawaii and later North Conway, N.H., and Stowe Vermont.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 70 years, Rita M. (Legault) Basiliere, his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Neil Chambers of Salisbury, three grandchildren, Matthew A. Smart and his wife Amanda of Newton, NH, Jennifer Chambers of Haverhill and Heather Chambers of Salisbury, two great- grandchildren Luke and Chloe Smart, two sisters, Joanne Gagnon and her husband Charles of Haverhill, and Betty Ann Mitchell and her husband John of Haverhill, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Shirley Comeau.
Relatives and friends are invited to Mr. Basiliere’s Life Celebration to be held on Monday, July 6, from 5-8 p.m. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill, following the guidelines for social distancing established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the wearing of masks at the funeral home as well as the church. His funeral will begin on Tuesday morning with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 in All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Ave., Haverhill, followed by burial with Military Honors in Saint Joseph Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Saint Ann’s Home and School, 100 A Haverhill St., Methuen. Please take a moment during this difficult and extraordinary time to show support to the family by visiting our website, www.berubecomeau.com to leave a message of condolence to the family or to share a precious memory, or more directly to send cards and letters to Mrs. Rita Basiliere, Wingate at Haverhill, 190 North Ave., Haverhill, MA.