Albert Racey Hermann's Obituary
San Diego—Albert Racey Hermann, 94, passed on peacefully December 18, 1999, with his daughter at his side. He was the only child of Julius Albert Hermann, DDS and Ethel Racey Hermann, RN.
He leaves behind his daughter, Teri Potratz (husband David), step-son Timothy McCarroll and grandson Cameron Potratz (wife Joanne Wang). Al’s beloved wife, Carol, died in 1999.
He was unassuming, humble and lived a life of devotion to God and his family, church and country.
Born in New York City, he grew up in White Plains, New York.
In 1942, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. As a full Lieutenant in 1951, he was transferred to Beach Master Unit 1 in Coronado, CA. Training missions then sent him to Japan and Korea. In 1953, Al was released to inactive duty in San Diego, but continued in the reserves until retiring in 1962. Al’s service in the Navy was a tremendous source of pride for him throughout his life.
Al’s commitment to his church, Pacific Beach United Methodist Church, was also a very important part of his life. He had been active on several committees since the time he joined the church in 1955, employing his ever-present trait of offering suggestions for improvements.
At a revival held at the church, Al met Carol Hartwell, attending as a guest of a neighbor. They married and had a daughter, Teri. He also helped raise Carol’s son, Tim, 8 years older. Al remained devoted to Carol for 44 years until her passing twenty years ago.
Al worked for General Dynamics-Convair Division as a Technical Buyer in the Materials Department from 1958 to 1987.
Retirement from Convair allowed Al to follow his passion for travel and learning. He and Carol went on numerous Elderhostel/Road Scholar trips and took ceramics classes for several years.
After Carol passed on, Al continued traveling all over the world, including to Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Central and South America. He especially enjoyed service trips which he took to Guatemala (12 times!) with Guatemala Project and trips that involved helping with research for dolphins, whales and sea turtles. His travels also included numerous intergenerational Elderhostel trips with his only grandson, Cameron.
A long-time avid San Diego Gulls hockey fan, Al—even as recently as November of this year—continued to show his support by attending games when the Gulls were in town.
Al felt very fortunate to be able to spend his final years living at Wesley Palms Retirement Community in Pacific Beach, where he met many new friends and developed new interests.
To Al, strangers were friends he hadn’t yet met as he usually liked engaging in conversation fellow line-waiters, cashiers, restaurant servers and the like. The memory of his ability to spread God’s love through all of his interactions will be treasured.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at Pacific Beach United Methodist Church on January 26 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Pacific Beach United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Park. Al’s family welcomes your memories, photos or condolences on his memorial page at greenwoodmemorial.com.
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