Adam Ted Herman

Portland - Adam Theodore (Ted) Herman, 84, of Scarborough, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2011. A devoted husband, wonderful father, grandfather, Navy pilot, Captain Herman was born May 7, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan, to Walter and Helen (Szasty) Herman who immigrated from Poland in 1912. During WWII, Ted studied aeronautics at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, graduating in 1943, setting a foundation for a stellar aviation career. Entering the Navy in July 1943 as an Apprentice Seaman, he was immediately accepted into the Cadet Aviation Program at Corpus Christi, TX and earned his Naval Aviator wings in March of 1946. An aircraft fighter pilot until the end of 1949, Lt. Herman had the distinction of logging the 10,000th landing on the USS Roosevelt. In 1949 Ted returned to his Michigan roots and entered the University of Michigan earning a Political Science degree in 1953. Drawn to his passion of flying, he became a pilot for Trans World Airlines in 1954. Recognized as one of the best by his peers, Ted was handpicked for the initial cadre of pilots for the introduction of the first jet-engine passenger airline, the Boeing 707 in the early 1960’s and the first jumbo aircraft, the Boeing 747. Meanwhile, Ted continued to serve in the naval reserves, eventually serving as Squadron Commander at NAS Grosse Isle, Michigan. Commander Herman retired from naval service in 1969 after 26 years. In 1985, Captain Herman retired from TWA with 30 years of dedicated service. Of his 84 years on this earth, over 3 years – 29,000 hours- were spent in the sky. After his retirement he often said, “I don’t have enough time in the day to get things done.” He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, gardening and especially playing hockey with the “old boots” in downtown Portland until the age of 82. Ted’s hockey dream was realized when he played a game with Detroit legend, Gordie Howe, in Lake Placid and Montreal. Gordie Howe and Ted played many games through the years and became good friends. Ted was a life-time member of the National Rifle Association and the Nation Right to Work Committee. Captain Herman was predeceased by his sons Mike and Gordie Herman, brother Ed and sister Lucille. He is survived by his dedicated wife of 47 years, Waltrud, sister Wanda Northcutt, children Dave Herman, Rene’ Davis, Major Jeff Herman, Tom Herman, Mary Kay Mayer, Raymond Herman, twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. There are few words that can express the meaning of Ted’s dedication to his country and his positive attitude to life. Men with the metal of A. T. Herman made this country great. He left us with the most priceless gift we can ever hope from life: the unconditional love for his family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Monday January 24, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, ME 04096 with Rev. Philip Shearman officiating. A reception will follow at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant, 1335 US Route 1, Yarmouth, ME. Burial will be in the spring in Blanchard Cemetery, 215 Winn Road, Falmouth. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to share your condolences, memories and tributes with Ted’s family.