Obituary: Melvin R. Herrmann

Melvin R. Herrmann, at 105

Melvin Richard Herrmann of Hingham, formerly of Cocoa Beach, Florida and Arlington, Virginia, died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. He was 105. Mr. Herrmann was known by many as “Jake,” called “Buddy” by his grandson and grandchildren, respected by many Boy Scouts as Mr. Herrmann; yet he usually introduced himself as “Mel.” 

Mr. Herrmann was born in Pittsburgh on Nov. 1, 1917, and was the son of Henry John and Flora (Lang) Herrmann. He was raised in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and attended Bethel Park High School. Mr. Herrmann enlisted in the United States Army on April 2, 1941. He earned the rank of technical sergeant, and proudly served his country during WWII, landing on Omaha Beach the day after D-Day. Thanks to the GI Bill, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University. Working for the Department of the Navy, Mr. Herrmann specialized in cold-weather civil engineering in Alaska, Greenland, and the South Pole. 

Mr. Herrmann married Gene (Thacker) Herrmann in 1951. They lived on Livingston Street in Arlington until Gene’s death in 2012. Together, they enjoyed their family and friends, work and fellowship at Mount Olivet Church, and travel to every corner of the country and globe. For the next 10 years he lived poolside in Cocoa Beach with cousins David and Jackie Glasser. In November 2022, he moved to the Residence at Penniman Hill in Hingham. Wherever he lived, he was extremely generous; whether you needed a stump removed, a charitable contribution, life advice, or an ear to listen, he would freely give of his time and resources. Even at 105, he was independent, mobile, sharp-witted, and above all else, kind.

Starting in 1962 he was an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 167. He led epic adventures to the Bahamas, the Allagash River, the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and the top of Grand Teton, with 13 trips to Philmont Scout Ranch and hundreds of whitewater canoe trips in between. For close to 40 years, he inspired hundreds of boys, many profoundly.

Mr. Herrmann was an active member of Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Arlington. He and Gene were members of Mac’s Sunday School class and supporters of the Mount Olivet Foundation, which has provided scholarships and low interest loans to college students since 1967. Especially after retirement, and with the help of many scouts, he kept the grounds of the church looking great.

Mr. Herrmann is survived by his son Henry J. Herrmann II and daughter-in-law Sally W. Herrmann, grandson Brian W. Herrmann and his wife Miriam R. Tabela, and great grandsons Asher W. Herrmann and Marcus R. Herrmann, all of Hull, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Gene T. Herrmann, son Frank T. Herrmann, brother Rae Herrmann and sister Dorine Hull.

Relatives and friends will have two opportunities to celebrate Mr. Herrmann’s life; at noon on Sunday, Sept. 17 at St. Nicholas United Methodist Church in Hull, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia. His remains will be interred privately at Columbia Cemetery in Arlington alongside his wife and son.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Mel’s name to Mt. Olivet Foundation, 1500 N Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22207, or online at www.mountolivetfoundation.org/donations, or Troop 167 BSA, 1500 N. Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA 22207.

Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.