Robert Hermann

Retired USAF Colonel Robert (Bob) Hermann died peacefully on March 1, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old and dearly loved. He is survived by daughters Gwen (Ricardo) Ramirez of North Potomac, Maryland, and Karen Hermann of Reston, Virginia, son Steve (Susan) McCarthy of Pfafftown, North Carolina and grandsons Robert Ramirez, Kyle Brannigan, Tyler and Ian McCarthy.

Born in 1928 in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, he was the youngest of 11 children born to the late George and Sophie Franz Hermann. He is predeceased by his siblings. He was married to Patricia L. Hermann from 1953 until her death in 1976. He was married to Patricia A. Hermann from 1980 until her death in 2005.

After graduating in 1950 with a B.A. in English and Political Science, he joined the Air Force as an aviation cadet and trained as a navigator on the B-29 bomber. Following a near fatal automobile accident in 1951, his Air Force career took a new direction and he spent the remainder of his service in public relations. When the Soviets launched their first Sputnik in 1957, he decided the place to be was in missile and space development. Much of the rest of his career was involved with information planning and support for research and development programs. He earned his M.S. in Public Relations from Boston University in 1963. He established a professional development program for Air Force Public Affairs personnel which became a model for other services. His assignments included overseas tours in Europe and Vietnam, and ultimately at the Pentagon where he was the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and retired a full Colonel in 1980.

His decorations include: Bronze Service Star; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with Six Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

In retirement, he pursued lifelong interests in art and music: playing guitar, painting watercolors, and working in stained glass were only a few of his talents. He was active in the Fort Washington United Methodist Church writing the newsletter, singing in the choir, and guest preaching. After moving to Frederick, Maryland in 1996, his love of barbershop music led him to join the local barbershop chorus, the Frederick Catoctones. He sang with them the year they won the Intermediate Chorus Championship of the Southern Division in Reston, Virginia.

Above all else, his greatest joy in life was his family. Nothing else was more important to him than spending time with, making things for, and helping his family members.

The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 2-3PM where a funeral service will begin at 3PM. Rev. Tim May will officiate.

Interment with military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1393 Progress Way, Suite 908, Eldersburg, MD 21784 or www.cancer.org .