Herbert McQueen

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“The Goat” Greatest Of All Time…….!

Herbert McQueen was born January 11, 1944 in Harlem New York to (his late parents Eleanor & Thomas McQueen). He was the youngest son of six siblings ( John, Raheem, Hammed, Robert and Betty ). He received his formal education at Franklin K Lane High School, Brooklyn, NY.

Herbert, known affectionately as “Herbie” loved life, had a humorous personality that resonated wildly amongst others. When he smiled he lit up the room but when he opened his mouth he always had a story to tell and something funny to say. Many people have always said he missed his calling as a standup Comedian. Music and entertaining family, friends and strangers was his life. He would sing at different venues around the Tri-state area. At the early age of 8 years old he loved playing basketball within the five boroughs and was on various traveling teams. Herbert began singing at 14, with Mike and the Utopians , the song ( I wish A -Side, Earlene B- Side). He also sang with Clarence Quick of the Dell Vikings and A Group called The Black Ties. To better his baritone vocals he will sing In New York City subways and on street corners with other local singers. As he became a seasoned singer the sound of his baritone voice had many folks snapping their fingers and tapping there feet. He enjoyed playing board games, especially up-words ( with his late and dear friend of 60+years George Manuel)(deceased). He played chess, scrabble, and was a Billiards Pool shark player. He was competitive in all those games. It was very challenging to win against him.  Herbert was definitely a Chef as well. If you needed to find him look in the kitchen. Some of his favorites dishes was fried fish (porgy, salmon cakes, stuff Cornish hens with raisins and occasional pan fried deluxe hamburger with pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and ketchup. He enjoyed sweets and when food shopping would disappear only to be found in the Cake and Candy Aisles. He dressed sharp everyday even when going to your local grocery store. Coordinating his outfits, by matching colors from head to toe was a natural for him. His collection of music was extensive. Most of all his genre for Doo-Woop Music was always first choice.

Herbert McQueen met (Oralia) his Queen Bee while at work . Let’s just say it was “by happenstance” meeting outside an elevator going up. They had an unbreakable bond that led to 46 years of a loving marriage. His favorite quotes : Hello, You got to be kidding me, But it don’t mean nothing Jack, Whoa, Let’s Get down with the get down, Aah that’s what I am talking bout. There were so many more sayings that he would blurt out, that all you can do is laugh.

On Friday, March 25, 2022 Herbert McQueen Sr. transitioned on to be with the Lord. He was surrounded by his family from the beginning of his Hospital Admittance up until his passing. He leaves to cherish his memories, loving wife Oralia McQueen; brother Robert McQueen; his children Lunda Payne, Leza McQueen-Newborn son-In-law Anthony Newborn ,Herbert McQueen Jr., identical twin daughters Kynda McQueen-Whitley son-in law Ikim Whitley, Kaneka McQueen-Liggons, Eric Richardson daughter -in- law Vera Richardson, Gerard Richardson daughter in-law Michelle Richardson and Keisha Richardson-Cooks ,son-in-law Barner Cooks along with a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

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