Dr. Herbert R. Waters, Jr., Colonel US Marine Corps (Ret.) passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at the age of 90.
Born on October 8, 1930 in New Bedford, MA, he was the son of the late Herbert R. Waters, Sr. and Jane C. (Joseph) Waters. He was the husband of the late Mary C. (Daluz) Waters and the brother of the late Leola (Waters) Santos and the father of the late Michael C. Waters. Dr. Waters grew up on Hillman St. in the West End of New Bedford often speaking fondly of his childhood and growing up with lifelong friends and cousins.
Dr. Waters graduated from New Bedford High School in 1948, where he excelled in the ROTC program. Upon graduating, he attended his beloved Providence College where he ran track and cross country. A member of the 1953 graduating class from PC, "Bert" then earned a commission in the US Marines, becoming only the 10th Black officer in the history of the Marine Corps. Lt. Waters served for 14 months in the Korean War and remained in the Marine Reserves, earning promotions ahead of his peers, eventually attaining the rank of Colonel. Col. Waters' primary duty station was at Naval Air Station South Weymouth, where again he made history becoming the first African American Commanding Officer of MASS 6 Marine Air Support Squadron.
Dr. Waters earned a Bachelor's Degree from Providence College, a Master's Degree from Bridgewater State College and a Doctorate from Nova University. While serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, he began his storied teaching career in the early 1960's. Dr. Waters spent 32 years within the New Bedford Public School system, the majority of the time as the principal of Sgt. William H. Carney Academy. It was here, at Carney Academy, where his impact as a community leader was felt the most. Through strong leadership, personal accountability and by introducing pioneering multicultural curriculum and celebrating diversity, Sgt. William H. Carney Academy quickly became the jewel of the entire school district. Presidential candidate and civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, Governor Michael Dukakis and many other dignitaries routinely visited Carney while educators statewide began modeling Dr. Waters' innovative approach to academic leadership.
Extremely proud of his Wampanoag heritage, "Black Eagle" as he is known throughout the Native American community, was a valued member of the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness. Dr. Waters was a highly respected elder and champion dancer at powwows, placing 1st in several competitions throughout the years. Black Eagle often traveled as a representative of the Wampanoag Nation to powwows across the country to include the "Gathering of Nations" in New Mexico, the "Crow Fair" in Montana, the "Seminole Powwow" in Florida, "Schemitzun" in Connecticut and his beloved Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow.
An accomplished runner, Bert successfully completed 27 full marathons to include the Boston Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, marathons in Montreal and throughout the country. "The Colonel" as his friends of the Greater New Bedford Track Club called him, competed in biathlons, half-marathons and countless road races over many years. As his friends and other runners clutched their stomachs after inducing sugary drinks filled with electrolytes, "The Colonel" would crack open a beloved Narragansett beer and state "everything you need, is in this can" while re-hydrating in comfort.
Flying was always a passion for Dr. Waters and as a private pilot, he enjoyed time flying in his own personal aircraft, "Bulldog," logging several hundred hours. He would often take friends and family up in his Piper Cherokee 140 on trips to the Cape & Islands, Long Island, NY and even once to Nova Scotia. Storing his plane at the New Bedford Airport allowed him to reconnect with fellow aviators with whom he made indelible bonds.
Dr. Waters retired from the US Marine Corps Reserves in 1984 and from New Bedford Public School system in 1993 but he didn't stop working. He opened Carney Daycare creating a safe place and learning environment for kids grade k-6 while also employing many staff, teachers, drivers, cafeteria personnel, and security details for decades. He recently resigned his position as the director of Carney Day Care just one year ago to spend time on R & R and at the gym.
Dr. Waters' family will remember him and their loving mom, Mary, for all the amazing road trips that he led driving in our camper to California, Florida, Canada and back. Every trip was an adventurous learning experience; visiting family, unforgettable historical sites, amusement parks, campgrounds and military installations across America. Dad was a genuine patriot who loved this country, the city of New Bedford, and his friends and family.
Dr. Waters' impact and legacy as an educator, community leader and source of inspiration has made him an icon throughout the Greater New Bedford community and beyond. His students have excelled beyond their own expectations. Many have attributed to their success in life to the guidance, wisdom and leadership bestowed upon them while under the tutelage of Dr. Waters. He sought little credit, or personal recognition. The success of those whom he touched is a tribute to his selfless devotion to community, family, God and country.
Dr. Waters is survived by his sister Lorraine Waters Henry of Falmouth, his son Herbert R. Waters III, daughter Susan E. Waters, son Christopher J. Waters and his wife Paula, son Mark J. Waters, grandson Pedro Rosa, grandson Herbert R. Waters IV and step-grandson Brandon Medeiros. In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest a donation be made to one of the following charities: The Martha Briggs Educational Club, Inc. or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday, August 12th at 9:15 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Julie Billiart Church at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, August 11th from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.