Fairfield school hosts ‘Superbubz’ visitation
‘This was his happy place,’ principal says of courageous first-grader.
FAIRFIELD — Walter “Superbubz” Herbert loved his Fairfield elementary school and Thursday saw those who loved the heroic boy and backed his brave struggle against cancer turn out by the hundreds to honor his life.
Walter — the Fairfield Central Elementary first-grader who went by the nickname of “Superbubz” — and for many embodied a superhero’s courage — died Oct. 6 at his home.
A public visitation for Walter was held Thursday evening at the school.
“This was his happy place, so it just made sense that we would offer this and be able to share his happy place with everyone for a final goodbye,” said Central Elementary Principal Karrie Gallo, who was close to Walter and his family.
People were given yellow ribbons to wear, many pinning them to their gray shirts that read “Superbubz.” Therapy service dogs were also on hand to comfort young children.
The boy’s brave struggle and buoyant attitude captured the hearts of the region as he was honored by major area sports stars, police departments, and enjoyed a special early graduation from high school courtesy of Fairfield Schools.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was among the hundreds of mourners who lined up Thursday at the school to pay their respects.
School officials said Votto, who had befriended the 6-year-old during a recent Reds game when he gave the boy a fist bump and a bat, had flowers for the boy’s family and spoke to them at the ceremony, offering his condolences.
“Joey Votto came to the visitation and brought flowers for the family. He was extremely kind and humble. He gave both Mr. and Mrs. Herbert a hug and talked to them for a few minutes while he said goodbye to Superbubz,” said Gallo.
Votto also posed for photo at the visitation with Walter’s sister, Adley.
Walter loved school and superheroes and among his last wishes was to graduate from high school, which he did in a special ceremony at Central Elementary attended by more than 300, including some of his favorite costumed comic book heroes.
That special graduation ceremony “showed how it takes a village to raise a child,” Gallo said Thursday night. “We all came together and were able to help support one another and to fulfill his dreams.”