Judge Herbert Edward Tucker of Oak Bluffs died March 1 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.

He was born in Boston on August 30, 1915, the fourth of six children, to Herbert Edward Tucker Sr. and Samuel Ella Fitzgerald.

He attended Boston public schools, graduated from Boston Latin School and went on to study law at Northeastern University. After working with the Internal Revenue Service, he went on to found Boston's first black law firm, Cardozo and Tucker.

In 1937, Herbert married Mary Hill of Philadelphia. He was the father of two daughters, Gwendolyn and Gretchen. After the arrival of his first grandchild, he was renamed "Heebee," a name used by all who were endeared to him. The Tuckers made their home in Roxbury before moving full time to Oak Bluffs in 1960.

On the Vineyard, Heebee was just as comfortable at the Inkwell as he was at the East Chop Beach Club. He loved the sand and the sea. He also enjoyed playing tennis and golf and immensely enjoyed the company of his family and friends.

Never one to be idle, he served on the board of directors for the Boys' and Girls' Club in Edgartown, was a trustee of the Vineyard Open Land Foundation and a member of the Martha's Vineyard National Bank Foundation. He and his wife were also members of Grace Episcopal Church.

Herbert led a very full life and was active in many civic and political matters which covered a broad range.

While living in Boston, he was president of the Boston branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly with his dear friend, Otto Snowden, to bring equity to the children of Boston, as well as bringing the first black player to the Boston Red Sox.

Herbert was the grand basileus of Omega Psi Phi fraternity for three terms, where he directed the social programs, edited the Oracle magazine, founded the life-membership program and in 1958 was declared the fraternity's Man of the Year.

He was president of the Freedom House. In this position he partnered with Otto and Muriel Snowden to place Roxbury in the political forefront so that its residents could acquire all the benefits that the city of Boston had to offer.

Under Edward Brooke, he was appointed assistant attorney general for Massachusetts. His assignment was to coordinate the financial division of the office.

After working on the successful senatorial and presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy, he was appointed by President Kennedy to be his representative with the rank of ambassador to the Republic of Gabon in Africa. In 1972, he became the Massachusetts commissioner of public utilities.

Herbert joined the Aleppo Shriners, and he was master of Mount Zion #15, Prince Hall Grand Lodge in Dorchester.

His jurist career began in 1973, when he was appointed special justice in Dorchester District Court. He later became an associate justice in that court. In 1980, he became the presiding justice in the Edgartown District Court, where he worked until his retirement.

Heebee loved life and doted on his bride of 70 years.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Mary; his daughters, Gwendolyn T. Wharton and Gretchen T. Underwood; his grandchildren, Richard G. Wharton Jr. and Gretchen M. Mercer; his great-grandsons, Jason and Brandon Mercer; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

His memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow in the Grace Episcopal Church, William street, Vineyard Haven. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Robert Hensley and will include a ritual by the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations made to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.