In Memory
LEE HERRINGTON January 22, 2026
Bow, NH – BOW — Lee Roy Herrington III, born January 10, 1947, to Lee Roy Herrington II and Pluma Ellen Herrington in Hartford, Connecticut, peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Joan and their six children: Lauren, Lance, Brooks, Ian, Shelby, and Sydney. Lee was blessed with a growing number of grandchildren, whom he loved dearly- and who affectionately called him “Pappy”. He is also survived by two of his three brothers: Stuart and Dale; his brother Alan passed away in 2025.
At the age of 7, Lee and his brothers moved with their parents from Natick, Massachusetts to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There, he picked up two of his lifelong passions: tennis, and a fandom for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His skill with a tennis racquet earned him local fame– he was the Western Pennsylvania singles champion in 1964– and, in time, earned him a spot on the varsity tennis team at Yale University, where he graduated in 1969. Eventually he passed on both his love of tennis and his fandom for the Steelers to his children. If Lee’s lifetime match records existed, they would show that Lee held a winning record against almost everyone on the tennis court, his children included.
In July 1987, he married Joan Grabnar, from Kirtland, Ohio. That fall, Lee and Joan moved with their oldest daughter, Lauren, to New Hampshire. Their children well remember hearing of the moment Lee and Joan decided to move their young family to New Hampshire, standing on the footbridge overlooking Meredith Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. Lee had always dreamed of spending summers with his family by a lake– inspired by cherished memories of summer vacations spent on Lake Chautauqua with a childhood friend. On the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, and with his wife and six children beside him, he realized that dream.
Lee loved his family above all things and counted them at the very top of his many blessings. He was happiest when sharing his passions with his wife and children- of course playing tennis in the summers and watching the Steelers on a cold fall day in front of a roaring fire, but also mid-day golf tee times with his children, captaining a spirited sail at sunset “Golden Hour”, learning a new song on guitar with his sons, driving the boat on a summer night to get “Virginian” ice cream sundaes with his grandchildren, showing one of his meticulously researched vintage cars, or cleaning house on the ping pong table.
Lee’s legacy lives on in the love his family shares, and this was his greatest success.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the school Lee chose for its commitments to both academic rigor and to formation of character, a place where his children were able to “grow up slowly.”
Checks can be made out to “Friends of St. John Regional School” and should be mailed to:
61 South State Street, Concord, NH 03301
Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, please go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com
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Scott Robinson
I didn’t meet Lee until we visited Yale together during our senior year. Little did I know that he would become over the 10 years one of my best friends. During these and in following years, we not only had many memorable good times, but we were there for each other during some very difficult personal times. This is, of course, a true friend. I was able to spend a few days with him along with a small group of uni classmates in early 2020. I was struck by his humility, his commitment to his family, his gratitude for the many experiences that he had and many other wisdoms. Receiving this news was a deeply sad moment. I send the best possible wishes to Joan and his children.
Richard L McMillan
Sorry to hear of Lee's passing. He certainly left his mark with accomplishments in academics, sports, business, and the family he leaves behind. My memories of Lee include tennis tournaments in our early years, goofing off and eating lots of hot dogs at the Metropolitan and West Penn tournaments, hanging out with future tennis great Dick Stockton at those tournaments, and late night swims in high school. One particular recollection comes to mind: Lee had the most wicked spin on his serve that made the ball pop high and at an angle. His opponent from a local high school called "let" because he said the ball had hit a stone on the court. Lee was very understanding and agreed to take point over, while also saying that he had a hunch that he hit that same stone again on his very next serve. I don't need to tell you the rest. Lee had a knack for developing skills in his particular interests, such as teaching himself how to play the guitar from listening to Chet Atkins records. Often, I relived memories as recounted by Lee in his well known Herrington Catalog, weaving his own mostly true story into a pitch to the reader to buy the high a quality sports, stereo, golf, fishing or other equipment from the catalog. Rest in peace, Lee.
James P Seay
Two comments on Lee's obituary - the childhood friend referred to was Pete Weaver '65 & the antique car collection is one of the largest collections of Ferrari's in the world. I spent some time with Lee and his family over the years. He developed into a man of integrity, humility and accomplishments. I attended his funeral on Saturday and was able to share my condolences with his remarkable wife and with his six wonderful children.