Thomas Ralph Hermann

Thomas Ralph Hermann, age 82, was surrounded by his family as he passed away in his Randolph home after a brief illness on February 9, 2015.

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Dolores (Swartz) Hermann. He also leaves his sons, Michael (Paula) of Salina, KS; Dave (Jennifer) of New Athens, Ohio; Steven (Vickie) of Atwater; Christopher (Deanna) of Randolph; Thomas (Kim) of Randolph; and daughters, Diane (Michael) Rogers of Brimfield; Mary Kay (John) Darling of Brimfield; and Rosie (Craig) Loughney of Randolph to carry on his legacy. He was a loving grandfather to Alex and Andrew Hermann; Zach and Samantha Hermann; Robert (Colleen), Jeffrey (Amanda), Tony and Leah Hermann; Michael (Alyssa), Christopher and Stephany (Mike Miller) Rogers; Lukas, Katie and Annabelle Darling; Maria, Cayla and Jake Hermann; Nick, Amanda, Haylee and Taylor Hermann; and Miyah and Kiana Loughney; great-grandfather to Joshua Taylor and Warren Hermann. Numerous nephews, nieces and cousins also survive.

He was born May 14, 1932, in Akron, Ohio to George and Helen (Friess) Hermann. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia (Hermann) Bajenski. He graduated from St. Mary High School in Akron in 1950 and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1950 to 1955. He married Dolores on November 22, 1958, at St. Bernard Church in Akron. They lived in Akron until 1961, when they moved into the current home, which he and others built on Bassett Road in Randolph. He worked most of his career for Goodyear Tire and Rubber, starting with Aerospace and ending in Research, retiring in 1991 with 36 years of service.

Until recently, Tom and his family operated a farm in Randolph and were active in 4-H and the Portage County Randolph Fair. While his children were members of 4-H, he belonged to the 4-H Beef Committee and received its Distinguished Service Award in 1992. He attended St. Joseph Church, where he was an usher. He joined the Knights of Columbus and served as Financial Secretary for more than 21 years. He was instrumental in bringing zoning to Randolph Township, serving on the Zoning Commission for numerous years. He was a member of the Catholic War Vets.

The family will receive friends February 16, 2015 beginning at 2:30 pm at St. Joseph Church in Randolph. A Funeral Mass will be held at 4:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus hall immediately following the Mass. All are welcome. The family suggests memorials to St. Joseph Church or the Randolph Suffield Atwater Food Shelf, checks payable to RSA Foodshelf, c/o St. Joseph Church.