On October 26, 2023, Dale Herbeck, 65, of Medfield, MA, died unexpectedly while out enjoying a walk.
Dale was a kind and thoughtful husband, stepfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and so much more. He was an exceptional scholar, teacher, and leader in the field of communication studies. He was a beloved friend, family member, and award-winning educator who will be dearly missed by many.
Born in Chicago, IL on June 14, 1958, to Delbert and Virginia Herbeck (née Gerke), Dale grew up outside of Dayton, OH. In 1976, he graduated from Fairmont West High School, where he began his lifelong interest in speech and debate. In 1980, he graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Political Science. In 1988, Dale graduated from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, with a Ph.D. in Communication Studies.
In 1985, Dale started his academic career on the faculty of the Communication department at Boston College, where he was a professor and debate coach before becoming department chair. In 2012, Dale joined the faculty of Northeastern University as chair of the Communication Studies department. He was well-regarded by colleagues, and especially students, many of whom have kept in touch with him over the years as they progressed in their studies and careers. In 2022, after 10 years as department chair, Dale returned to the faculty to focus on his teaching and writing.
In August of 1997, he married Edie (Haffenreffer) Simmers and moved to Medfield, MA with Edie and her son Brett. He lived in Medfield for over 25 years, spending his free time cooking, writing, and playing golf with friends. He was an avid supporter of the Green Bay Packers, often watching their games while wearing his custom “Herbeck” jersey. He enjoyed many Red Sox games at Fenway Park with his longtime friend and colleague John Katsulas, occasionally bringing Brett along and teaching him the intricacies of baseball scorekeeping. He loved being a doting uncle to Sofie through many shared adventures.
Over his 38 years as an academic, Dale won many honors and awards for his teaching and scholarship, including recognition by the National Communication Association, the American Forensic Association, and the Commission on Freedom of Expression. He published many editions of a popular textbook, Freedom of Speech in the United States, was the author of dozens of book chapters and peer-reviewed articles, and edited numerous professional journals.
Dale is survived by his wife Edie, his stepson Brett, his parents Delbert and Virginia, and his brother James and his wife Susan and their child Sofie. He is also survived by many loving cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, colleagues, students, and mentees.
Following a private burial, all are welcome to pay their respects and celebrate Dale’s life at a memorial service on Saturday, November 4 at 10 AM, at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. Needham, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Dale’s name to Heifer International or the National Prison Debate League, organizations that he supported for many years.