"Rocky" J.W. Herrmann
Born: Fri., Aug. 26, 1927
Died: Sun., Feb. 4, 2018
Funeral Service
Visitation
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wed., Feb. 07, 2018
Location: Gang Memorial Chapel
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J. William "Rocky" Herrmann
February 4, 2018
At the grand age of 90, "Rocky" J. William Herrmann, departed this life Sunday February 4th. Born in Auburn N.Y., he was a graduate of Onondaga Valley Academy and was a Navy Veteran of WWII and proud of his service on board the USS Midway. After graduating from Syracuse University he co-owned Herrmann Bros. Construction Company with his brother Bob and was past President of the Home Builders Association in Syracuse. Following that he owned and operated John Barleycorn Memorial Pub in Eastwood.
Rocky was a longtime member of the Arion Stein Club, Onondaga Ski Club, Jazz Society and the German American Society of CNY. He enjoyed downhill skiing, yodeling, drinking beer, his convertibles and laughing with his friends and family. He and his wife of 63 years, Sylvia, traveled the country listening to their beloved Dixieland music (and any live music). Rocky never met a person he couldn't talk to and always had a joke ready to tell. He was often the best dressed man in the room and was rarely seen without cowboy boots and a hat.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia, his twin daughters, Lynn (Ron) Yencha and Leigh (Mike) Merriman, both of Syracuse, grandchildren Shawn, Betsy, Emily and Paul.
Calling hours are Wednesday Feb. 7 from 4-7pm at Gang Memorial Chapel 104 Fordham Rd. at Teall Ave.
Contributions to the Alzheimer Association or the SPCA.
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Steven Schill
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Posted Mon February 05, 2018
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Kathleen and I are keeping whole Herrmann family in our prayers.
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Cheryl LaPenna LaRochelle
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Posted Tue February 06, 2018
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To the Herrmann family, my second childhood family, I send my deepest condolences and hugs to all. I’ll always have fond memories of all the fun times we had. Whether it be on the water boating (trying to teach me to ski) or going to Octoberfest eating German food or riding with the top down in the convertible. Your dad was loving and kind and loved to have a good time. But you already know that. Sending my love to all.
Cheryl & Bob
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Claudia Miceli
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Posted Tue February 06, 2018
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Lynn, Leigh and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, husband, friend. I hope the memories you have carry you through this difficult time. You will be in my thoughts.
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Carol Jeschke
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Posted Tue February 06, 2018
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Dear Sylvia...and the girls. I'm so sorry you lost Rocky. My heart goes out to you all. At the same time, as I read the obituary, I smiled and nearly laughed out loud. You captured the spirit of the man - a wonderful character of character. He would love it. I feel so lucky to have known him and been a pal of Sylvia's from time to time. I regret that I will not be with you tomorrow, but I will be thinking of you with best wishes. Carol Jeschke
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Terry Herrmann
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Posted Tue February 06, 2018
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Aunt Sylvia, Leigh & Lynne. We both want to express our deep condolences on the loss of Uncle Rock. There are lots of good memories going way back to those videos Rocky and my dad took of us as little kids at grandma's, through the years as we grew up, the many years of Oktoberfest celebrations at Long Branch Park and Stein Club picnics, working for him at John Barleycorn's on Wednesday nights when I was an undergrad at S.U. and many more.
We know first hand what it's like to lose one's dad. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Terry & Sue
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Anne and Duane Norris
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Posted Tue February 06, 2018
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Sylvia, we are deeply sorry to lose Rocky. He was a gem, always happy and had a joke to tell you. We will fondly remember all the good times we had. We are sure he is up there
listening to our Dixieland music. Love to you and the girls.
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Kristin Herrmann
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Posted Tue February 06, 2018
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I'm so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of Uncle Rocky and my Grandpa from my childhood. Thank you for the picture of Grandpa you sent my Dad (Terry) - he shared that with us today. Love to you all!
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Valerie Fetsch
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Posted Tue February 06, 2018
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Aunt Sylvia, Leigh, and Lynn,
We are so saddened by the loss of Uncle Rock. He was always so full of life and our memories of him will last in our hearts forever... especially the boombas and Oktoberfests. You are all in my prayers.
Love,
Valerie and Family
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Roy and Sue Hodge
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Posted Wed February 07, 2018
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Sylvia and girls,
We are so grateful for all the good times, spread over many years, that we enjoyed with Rocky. We will truly miss him and remember him as a fun-loving guy, always ready for a concert, festival, or trip in the convertible.
Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Roy and Sue Hodge
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Joe Whiting
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Posted Wed February 07, 2018
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Diana and I are so sorry to hear of Rocky's passing. What a gem of a person and what a life he lived. I always loved seeing Rocky and Sylvia out and about. The band and I had ironically already planned on learning 'Rocket in my Pocket' for the Spring season. I'll miss 'the Rock', his laugh and his stories ( some of which I could understand ! ) All my best to Sylvia and the family in this time of sorrow although I'm smiling now just thinking of my old friend. I would have been at calling hours but we got hammered with snow out here. Much love and good vibes to you all.
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Burt and Linda Dunlap
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Posted Wed February 07, 2018
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What a guy. Always with the latest joke and a kind word. A fond member of the Jazz Society of Syracuse and a follower of dixieland music. Driving his beautiful classic convertible with his wife Sylvia at his side. We will miss him beyond measure but remember him always in our hearts.
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Sidney Lipton
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Posted Wed February 07, 2018
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Dear Sylvia & girls,
We have such wonderful unforgetable memories with all of you.
All our love,
Sid & Donna
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Lois Gridley and Dennis Calkins
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Posted Wed February 07, 2018
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Though he would have much preferred to ski in such weather, we had planned to honor Rocky at his calling hours this afternoon, but the snow and congestion kept us home. Sylvia, know that we were with you in spirit, and had planned to convey the thoughts and sympathy of Art and Shirley Zimmer, who are in Florida, and Dan and Diane Daley, who are on vacation and don't yet know of Rocky's departure from this life. Dennis remembers those skiing days, and we both always looked forward to seeing you at the Kentucky Derby parties at the Zimmers' Otisco compound years ago. Rest and enjoy in peace, Rocky!
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Chip and Dottie
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Posted Thu February 08, 2018
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Dear Syliva, Lynn and Leigh,
We were so sorry to hear about Rocky’s passing . You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult rime.
Our deepest sympathy,
Chip and Dottie
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bob love dischner
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Posted Thu February 08, 2018
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so sad to hear of this news.
like others have said here, i did smile too, just thinking of Rocky! those smiles are a part of his legacy, as are his wonderful daughters and their families.
hugs and love to you all, double for Sylvia.
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Margie Nendza
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Posted Thu February 08, 2018
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So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you Leigh and Lynn and family .
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Michelle Sloan Mannino
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Posted Thu February 08, 2018
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Sylvia,
Were are so sorry to hear about Rocky. He was so full of life and fun. He will be missed. I will keep you and your family in my prayers
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Dick Kellogg
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Posted Thu February 08, 2018
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Sylvia
My deepest condolences to you and your family
and to all who knew Rocky.
Sincerely
Dick Kellogg
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The Hoxies
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Posted Thu February 08, 2018
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So sorry for your loss! We have so many great memories of Rocky and are extremely lucky to have grown up with such amazing neighbors, with an equally amazing family. Sending love to you all!
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Dennis Doyle
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Posted Thu February 08, 2018
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Leigh and Lynn, Very sorry for the loss of your Dad. May God Bless you in your time of grief. 90 is fabulous but a loss of your Dad is very sad for sure. My Best to You both. Dennis Doyle
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Alan MacDonell
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Posted Fri April 20, 2018
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Leigh & Lynn — I’m so sorry to hear the news about your dad. I have very fond memories of him filling your backyard with water in winter so all of us neighborhood kids from Onondaga Blv & Wolf Hollow could ice skate in your yard, dodging trees & pine needles. What a great guy he was.
Best wishes, Al MacDonell
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