There have been many people who have made dramatic impacts on the Milford community. Richard A. Herman has made a great impact as principal of Foran, World War II veteran, and an exceptional tennis player.
Known by his family and friends as Dick, Herman was born in 1920, in New York City. When Herman was a teenager, he would work as a bellhop for a hotel on Fort Trumbull Beach in Milford, where he would meet his future wife, Ruth Ann.
Between 1940 and 1946, Herman fought in World War II, serving in the US Army fighting as a Lieutenant General Patton’s Recognized Cavalry. After returning home from fighting in Europe and then the Philippines, he started his teaching career at Milford High School as a history teacher. He would then serve as a vice principal, then principal at Milford High.
In 1973, Milford Public Schools was planning on opening Joseph A. Foran High School, and needed a temporary principal to fill in. Herman was the man for the job. He filled in until a permanent principal was found. After this, Herman became an administrator at Foran. His impacts were countless.
“He made education in Milford comprehensive,” says Nancy Herman, Herman’s daughter.
Herman also made sure they had tennis courts, a pool, and a planetarium at Foran. This was so students could have options pursuing different careers, further enhancing the education at Foran.
Due to the impact Herman has made on the community, the Richard A. Herman Award is given out at both Foran and Law.
When the district created the award, they asked him what he wanted it to be for.
“He wanted the award to be for someone who needed it,” says N. Herman.
However, after retiring from Milford Public Schools in 1982, Herman’s legacy lived on. Herman always cared for students and the development of their learning.
He was “very committed to education” and “valued that above other things,” says Anne Greenstone, Herman’s niece.
Aside from teaching and education, Herman had many passions, such as playing tennis, sailing, and music. He and his wife lived in her childhood beach house on Fort Trumbull Beach in the summer, and spent their winters in Bradenton, Florida. His passions inspired others to try new things and explore new interests.
In the spring of 2019, Herman passed away at age 99. A memorial service was held at Milford Yacht club on the date of what would have been his 100th birthday, to celebrate his life and accomplishments.
In 2022, the tennis courts at Foran were named in his honor.
“He loved tennis since he was a child,” says N. Herman. This way, his legacy could live on for years to come.
Through Herman’s passion and dedication to the community, Milford Public Schools has grown into giving students the opportunity of a more enhanced education, partially thanks to Herman. His efforts have encouraged others to pursue their passions with unwavering support in educational opportunities.
