Developer, philanthropist Judd Herberger dies at age 79

Developer and philanthropist Judd Herberger passed away from heart failure on Wednesday, Oct. 27, according to his wife, Billie Jo.

Herberger was 79.

Arriving to Arizona in the 1940s, Herberger’s parents were instigators of the arts in Phoenix, and original benefactors of the Herberger Theatre Center, which Billie Jo and Judd have continued to support. Additionally, the Herbergers are generous benefactors to create programs is many aspects of the arts, helping to continue established programs and support the multitude of arts.

“Judd was passionate about everything with the arts,” said Billie Jo Herberger.

“He said goodbye after a fabulous and wonderful life, supporting every aspect of the arts with so many that wouldn’t have begun or continued in Arizona without his passion and help. I will continue to carry on the legacy and our love of the arts and cannot express how much I will miss him by my side.”

Pictured above is Billie Jo and Judd Herberger at Valley events over the years including the Phoenix Heart Ball in 2016, on left, 2017, in center, and Canal Convergence in 2018 where the Herbergers were sponsors. (Photos by Independent Newsmedia/Arianna Grainey) 

Outside of supporting the arts, Judd and Billie Jo are generous supporters of the Phoenix Heart Ball, benefiting the American Heart Association. Herberger suffered from multiple strokes and heart attacks, ultimately passing from heart failure.

Just 10 days before his passing, the Herbergers hosted donors at their home for this year’s Heart Ball event in November.

In addition to philanthropy and supporter of the arts, Herberger was a successful businessman and landmark homebuilder, investor and a developer of Kierland, amongst other successful ventures.

The Herberger family is requesting privacy and prayers at this time, they said through a press release.