Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Richard (Rick) Herman, 75, died Tuesday April 16, 2024. He was born in Connellsville, PA September 10, 1948 to Albert L. Herman Sr. and Margaret Flanigan Herman. His family owned and operated the sawmill, A.L. Herman Lumber Co.
Rick was educated at Giebel High School in Connellsville before attending Gannon University where he graduated with a degree in Accounting. Rick wasn’t fond of the cold weather in Pennsylvania so after graduation he took a job at Peat Marwick in Miami, FL as a CPA. He was in the Navy for six years where he made lifelong friendships. In 1976 he was offered a job at Harbor Branch Oceanographic as an accountant. He eventually worked his way to become President and CEO of Harbor Branch, retiring in 2004. Rick loved Harbor Branch and the employees there, many of whom he considered close friends.
Rick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debby Conlon Herman. He was a loving and devoted father to Michelle Morris (spouse Jeremy), Jason (spouse Araceli), Michael (spouse Erin), William, and Jonathan (spouse Lilly). Rick took great pride in being a grandfather and was fondly referred to as “G” by his eight grandchildren, Kylie, Lilly Grace, Sammy, Liam, Henley, Charlie, Hayden, and August. Rick is survived by seven siblings: Barbara Knight (spouse Marvin), Ronald Herman (fiancée Paula Harvey), Carolyn Cochrane, Thomas Herman (spouse Pam Herman), David Herman (spouse Colleen Herman), Larry Herman (spouse Martina), Jeff Herman (spouse Marianne Herman) and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three siblings: Mary Herman, Albert Herman Jr., and William Herman.
Rick will be remembered for his immense love of the entire Herman family, his generosity and kindness to all people whether it be a stranger or beloved family member, his humor and zest for having fun, being the “G” whisperer, and his great passion for the Steelers (especially watching games with his sons). Rick was a free spirit and did things his own way, a trait we often laughed about but deeply respected. It was unique and genuine to the great man he was.
There will be a private family arrangement to celebrate Rick’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a small donation to help the family with end of life expenses:
https://www.gofundme.com/honoring-rick-herman
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Colleen Herman - Sister-in-law
April 24, 2024, 7:16 pm
Sending Sympathy and Love to Debbie and all the children and grandchildren. I know Rick loved you all so much and was so proud of his beautiful family. I am certain he is looking down from heaven and watching over each and every one of you with love. God Bless you all at this time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shana Paul
April 24, 2024, 7:26 pm
Rick sounds like an amazing man and he definitely raised a wonderful man (Mike) who is married to Erin. Big Hugs and Big Prayers to all
Phil S - Friend
April 25, 2024, 1:33 am
My condolences to Rick’s family and friends. He was good supporter of Marine Operations at Harbor Branch Foundation. Rest In Peace Rick
Edwin&DeeDee Perkins - Friends of the family
April 25, 2024, 5:56 pm
Our deepest condolences to the entire Herman family. May your memories be a comfort and a blessing during this difficult time.
Donna L Lengel - Aunt
April 25, 2024, 8:04 pm
Dear Erin, we share our love and prayers and thoughts with you, Mike, and your fantastic girls during this time. He was a man surrounded by accomplishment, family and love. Our deepest condolences, and we know the love of God enfolds you all, and He will help you heal with the passage of time. Aunt Donna and John
Grant Gilmore - fellow employee
April 26, 2024, 7:30 pm
Marilyn and I send our condolences to you, Debbie, and the family. Having worked at Harbor Branch, I witnessed Rick’s career change over a 30 year period. I am so glad he had such a loving and supportive family. Grant Gilmore
Ken O'Brien - Friend
April 26, 2024, 10:46 pm
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Herman family.Ken and DeeDee O’Brien
Stephen McCulloch - Friend
April 27, 2024, 2:47 pm
Sending my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Debby and the entire Herman Clan. To all those who knew and loved Rick… my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Rick lived a life worth celebrating and was a friend to all. He was a mentor to me and to many. I will never forget his kindness, his generosity, zest for life or his great sense of humor. On the day God made Rick, I bet he didn’t do anything else that day just sit around and feel good.
Ken O'Brien - Friend
April 27, 2024, 10:58 pm
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Herman family. Ken and Dee Dee O’Brien
Ken O'Brien - Friend
April 27, 2024, 11:02 pm
Our deepest condolences to the Herman family. Ken and Dee Dee O’Brien.
Will Herman - Son
April 27, 2024, 11:18 pm
My dad Richard absolutely loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. Our family watched many Steelers football games with him throughout the years and with friends as well. When I was a little kid he would have Super Bowl parties. He also loved the situational comedy show ‘Seinfeld’. My first memory with Rick was when I was four years old watching Seinfeld with him in my parents bedroom. Additionally, he and our family enjoyed playing tennis together through the years. My dad was a good man. He also was a great man that was a good man. That’s what made him so special. He had a great sense of humor and was a bit of a maverick. He built Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute as C.E.O. in the 90’s and early 2000’s. He was truly one of a kind and a great man that I will forever cherish and miss. I will always remember watching Seinfeld with you on t.v., movies, Steelers games, playing tennis, and our childhood family vacations. Thank you for everything Richard. You were truly the best.
Sterling reed Cochrane - Nephew
May 10, 2024, 3:34 pm
My heart is truly broken we have lost a great man who I am proud to have called my uncle who always looked after me and my siblings as well as his sister you will truly be missed by all of us give Grandma and Grandpa a big hug for me and tell the rest of them we will see them soon one day and it will be then that we will truly celebrate the internal life love you forever and always Uncle Rick until we meet again rest in peace