Richard Anthony Herrmann

Richard Anthony (“Dick”) Herrmann, 79, died at his home in Somerville, Tennessee, on July 1 after a brief illness. Dick was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1936, the eldest of five children of Dorothy (Pellette) and Edward Herrmann. He graduated from Bishop Timon High School in 1954 and from Canisius College in 1958, then joined the U.S. Army, completing assignments from Greenland to Hawaii, as well as tours of Vietnam in 1967/68 and 1971/72. Dick received a host of medals and commendations for his service, including a Bronze Star, an Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, and RVN Campaign Medals. He left the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years, then worked at MCI for 13 years.

In retirement, Dick became the driving force of the “teen life” organization of St. Jude’s in Allen, Texas, and volunteered at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. In 2001, he was received a statewide award for his work with the center in recognition of his ability to comfort and care for displaced and abused children. After moving to Somerville in 2006, he was very active in the Knights of Columbus and St. Philip the Apostle Church, and served as a volunteer for the Fayette County Foster Care Review Board, where he made a difference in the lives of many children.

Dick was a tireless raconteur—having been a Toastmaster Governor of the Year in Hawaii—and a master joke teller. Above all, he was a tender-hearted man who expressed his love in acts of service to family, friends, and those in need. He will be missed as a husband, father, brother, uncle, soldier, sage counselor, and rescuer of unwanted St. Bernards.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Jean Herrmann of Somerville; five children, Mary Beth Miller of Washington D.C., Shaun Herrmann of North Chesterfield, Virginia, Aimee Bailey of Somerville, Patrick Herrmann of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jason Bailey (Tabatha) of Somerville; three grandchildren; three siblings, Michael Herrmann (Diane) of Garland, Texas; Mary Ellen Soda (Jim) of Hamburg, New York, Peg Novak (Jack) of Buffalo, New York; brother-in-law James Mod of Williston, Tennessee; sister-in-law Jeannette White (Ellis) of Somerville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass with military honors was held at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville at 10 A.M. Thursday, July  9, 2015.

The family requests donations for St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 11710 Highway 64, Somerville, TN 38068.

The Memorial Tribute for Mr. Herrmann can be viewed by clicking here .