Michael "Mike" J. Herlihy, Jr., 85, of Boston, passed this earthly life on Monday, November 8, 2021. He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on October 13, 1936 to Michael J. Herlihy, Sr. and Blanch Edna Howlett. He grew up in Nyack, NY graduating from Nyack High School and attended Iowa State University. Mike was one of the last self-studied Professional Engineers, having passed his exam in 1972 before degrees in Engineering were required to sit for the exam. An amazing accomplishment! His professional career spanned over 50 years taking him from Nyack, New York, to Chicago, Illinois, New Hampshire, Massachusetts overseeing engineering services at construction projects around the country, notably power plants. He routinely proved to novice engineers the fact that water runs downhill, and as a consulting engineer helped protect many communities from storm water disaster! He preferred to verify his calculations by hand with the help of a slide rule to make sure the software was indeed correct.
In addition to his engineering services, Mike served in the National Guard Reserves in New York State and kept a check on storm water management with the Planning Commission and the Flood Plain Board of Appeals for the Village of Downers Grove, IL. When not ensuring that water continued to flow downhill he was an avid Cribbage player, passionate reader and learner. His engineering talent enabled him to make many home renovations and repairs, including installing central air conditioning. He enjoyed woodworking; making cribbage boards for friends and family, gardening, and was a lover of classical music. His passion for wine drew him into winemaking and he particularly enjoyed drinking the fruits of his labor with friends.
Mike is survived by his beloved partner of 40 years, Charlotte Ploss of Boston, five children from his marriage to Bernita (Donaldson) Herlihy; Lorilei Roberts, Michael Herlihy (Sandra), Valerie Phillips (Daniel), Robert Herlihy (Deanna), Douglas Herlihy (Samantha), eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by Charlotte’s children, Dianna Ploss, Jay Ploss, Rick Ploss, & Andrea O’Brien, and their families. He loved and cherished time with family and in his later years would spend several weeks in Illinois with his children and their families.
A visitation will be held at the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, West Roxbury, MA on Saturday, November 13, from 12 noon - 2 pm followed by a service in the funeral home at 2 pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private. Memorial gifts may be given in Mike’s memory to a charity of your choice.