Gerhard Herrmann

Gerhard “Gerry” Herrmann, age 93 of Bethel, CT died Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Regional Hospice Center, Danbury. He was the husband of the late Judith (Schwefler) Herrmann.

He was born in New York, NY, March 1, 1929, son of the late Paul and Frieda (Lehmann) Herrmann.

Our beloved Father “Opa” entered into eternal rest, finally being reunited with our mother who has been patiently waiting in heaven for 38 years. Dad was a dedicated family man who loved our mother dearly and was devastated when she passed away unexpectedly in 1984.

He retired at 62 after a long career with Pepsico Corp., and soon busied himself with all kinds of organizations volunteering his time. When the Danbury Railway Museum opened, he was in his glory, because trains were his passion since he was a little boy. Growing up in the Bronx, he was exposed to trains on a daily basis which only fueled his desire to be around them. Dad would put up a train layout in our basement every Christmas, changing it every year to suit his whim. When the museum opened, he turned his attention to playing with full sized trains instead; something that was very satisfying for him. His main project became his prized 1928 caboose. He set about restoring it from the ground up, always with attention to detail.

Working with wood was a natural skill and he used it to build all kinds of wooden toys for his grandchildren, using their interests as his guide. They opened many presents from him to the praise of the adults watching, on how beautiful the toys were. They still have their beloved toys from when they were children and his presence at graduations, birthdays and family events was always such an honor for all of us.

We were thankful that Dad was able to continue living at home these past years, even thru his health struggles, amazing his doctors on how he did it. Always a good cook and a great planner, he would make food for the month, freezing it in containers for future meals.

We are also thankful that Dad was able to spend this past Christmas with us before he went into the hospital.

Over the years, Dad made friendships at the many organizations he was involved with, enjoying with them, pot roast suppers at the church, corned beef and cabbage at the Historical Society and even New Year’s Eve at Whitlock’s.

He was our rock, always there for us with advice and wisdom from his perspective. Dad, we love you and will miss you dearly. God speed on your way to your new home in heaven, rejoicing with Mom together again, this time for all eternity.

Gerry is survived by his son: Gary Herrmann and his wife Lina of Bethel; daughter: Leslie Dean and her husband Mike of Carmel, NY; 4 grandchildren: Fiona and Joshua Herrmann, Kaitlyn and Alyssa Dean as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Private burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Bethel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Danbury Railway Museum at Danburyrail.org.

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