Michael (Mickey) E. Herbert Fairfield, Connecticut Obituary

Michael (Mickey) E. Herbert

<p>Michael (Mickey) Ernest Herbert, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, died on May 31, 2022 at his home in Fairfield, surrounded by his family.<br /> <br /> Mickey was born November 4, 1944 in Washington, DC and grew up in Prince George&rsquo;s County, MD.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mickey earned a BA from Swarthmore College in 1967 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1969.<br /> <br /> In 1976, at the age of 32, Mickey founded Physician&rsquo;s Health Services (PHS), which he led as its CEO until it was successfully sold over two decades later to a national health plan.</p> <p>Mickey then founded and served for eight seasons as CEO and majority owner of the Bridgeport Bluefish Baseball Club, an independent minor league baseball team. &nbsp;The team set attendance records for Connecticut minor league baseball, and for independent league attendance in the United States. &nbsp;He was a general partner of the Philadelphia Barrage, a charter team of Major League Lacrosse. &nbsp;Both the Bluefish and Barrage won league championships under his ownership.</p> <p>From 2005 to 2010, Mickey was the President and CEO of ConnectiCare and was also the Executive Vice President of ConnectiCare&rsquo;s parent company, EmblemHealth.&nbsp; While he was ConnectiCare&rsquo;s CEO, the company was ranked as the #1 for-profit health care plan in America. &nbsp;In 2017 and 2018, Mickey served as the President and CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC). &nbsp;</p> <p>Mickey was the 45th Ringmaster of greater Bridgeport&rsquo;s celebrated Barnum Festival and is a recipient of the &lsquo;Good Scout Award,&rsquo; presented by the Fairfield County Boy Scouts of America. &nbsp;He was the recipient of the 2013 John Winthrop Wright &lsquo;Ethics in Action&rsquo; Award which honors a Connecticut leader who has demonstrated ethical business or leadership practices. &nbsp;He was president of both the Barnum Museum and the P.T. Barnum Foundation, and served on countless boards and charitable foundations.</p> <p>Mickey captained both the soccer and baseball teams at Swarthmore College and earned four varsity letters in each sport.&nbsp; He then played fast-pitch softball for the renowned Raybestos and Franklin Cardinals teams in Stratford, CT.&nbsp; He was twice named to All-American fast-pitch softball teams, played on the 1983 national championship team, and was the leading hitter for the United States in the 1984 World Softball Championship tournament in Michigan.&nbsp; He is a member of the Connecticut Softball Hall of Fame.&nbsp;</p> <p>Mickey was as an avid sports lover and loyal fan of the New York Yankees, Washington Redskins and UConn Huskies basketball teams.&nbsp; He loved to dance and was known for cutting loose in flashy red shoes.&nbsp; Mickey took frequent trips to Disney World and made memories with his children and grandchildren which he cherished. &nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>Mickey was pre-deceased by his parents, the late Charles Herbert and the late Barbara White Herbert. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jacqueline (Jackie) Herbert, daughter Eleni Wojcikowski (David), son Christopher Herbert (Greta), daughter Stephanie Herbert, son Mickey Herbert, son Charlie Herbert, and grandsons Jack Herbert, Charlie Herbert, Zachary Wojcikowski and Samuel Herbert; brother Jack Herbert (Joan) and sister Judy Laub.<br /> <br /> A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 10am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, CT. &nbsp;Friends may call Friday, June 3, 2022 3:00-7:00pm at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. &nbsp;Interment will be private.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>
November 4, 1944 - May 31, 202211/04/194405/31/2022
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Regina Favors
June 2, 2023
I was saddened to read the news of Mickey’s passing. He was my mentor when I went through the Executive Leadership with AHIN. Truly a stellar leader and didn’t mind sharing his knowledge to help others. Prayers and condolences to his wife and rest of the family who he ... Continue Reading
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Guest
June 29, 2022
Grove of 5 Memorial Trees

Grove of 5 Memorial Trees was purchased for the family of Michael (Mickey) E. Herbert. Send flowers

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Kathy and Mark Mulston
June 9, 2022
Jackie - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have many fond memories of Mickey. His leadership and generosity will be remembered. We're so sad to hear of his passing.
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Evan Giamanco & Ryan Gould
June 6, 2022
Our sincerest condolences.
Grove of 3 Memorial Trees

Grove of 3 Memorial Trees was purchased for the family of Michael (Mickey) E. Herbert. Send flowers

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Ann Brookshire
June 6, 2022
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts
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Beth Roberts
June 5, 2022
I had the distinct honor of working with Mickey at Harvard Pilgrim. He willingly shared his expertise and wisdom. Fantastic man! Terrific role model to others. He will be missed. Beth Roberts
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Jack Rushen
June 4, 2022
I worked at PHS just out of high school. Mickey was the model CEO. Never arrogant, always smiling, and he had this wonderful aura of confidence and kindness. I'm sorry to hear he is gone, but he fulfilled his mission and many people were touched by that.
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Katie Sklarsky
June 4, 2022
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of your family at this difficult time.
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Jane Fieberts
June 4, 2022
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Mickey's passing. I worked for him at PHS for 13 years in the 80s and remember how his spirit and can-do attitude uplifted the entire organization. Those were fun years, personified by his ever-present red sneakers at company partie... Continue Reading
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June and Bunny Brown and Carol Helwig
June 4, 2022
GOD'S GARDEN

God looked around His garden
And found an empty place
He then looked down upon the Earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best
He knew that you were suff...
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