Obituary: Ronald Otto Herman

Ronald “Ronnie” Otto Herman, age 77, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Ronnie was born on Aug. 20, 1945, in Pensacola, Fla., to the late Kurt and Gertrude (Bickart) Herman who were Holocaust survivors. He spent most of his adult life in Atlanta, Ga. Ronnie was a dedicated family man, survived by his wife and best friend, Nicki Herman, his three children, son, Scott (Stephanie), son, David, and daughter, Lisa “Rani-Joy” Herman. Additionally, he has step-children, Chris Hecht (Erin) and Craig Hecht (Eve), and is a proud grandfather to Samantha, Sean, Kai, Maxwell, Kieran, Ash and Cooper, his sister, Charlotte Herman Janis (Dick Grosswald), and sister-in-law, Audrey Leonard, amongst his nephews, Stephen Janis (Andrea), Eric Janis (Jennifer Arnoldi) and Joey Leonard, great niece, and nephew, Shana and Kenny Janis.

Ronnie and his sister, Charlotte, were raised by their parents in Pensacola. His parents had a significant influence in his life, and he often spoke of their support and encouragement throughout his many business ventures highlighting Resort Gifts, Compufax, Aaron Rents, and The Flying Biscuit.

Ronnie had many passions and hobbies throughout his life. He was a man of diverse interests including poker, sports, theater, concerts, bowling, tennis, and Alabama “Roll Tide” football. Ronnie and his wife, Nicki, also loved to travel. His favorite destination was the Wave Crest in Del Mar, Calif., where he would spend time with family and friends.

In addition to his varied interests, Ronnie had a few favorite foods and drinks. He liked nothing more than having an artichoke with chestnuts while watching Alabama football. His favorite dessert was marzipan, and he would often be seen drinking a peach Propel or diet soda. In fact, his last request which was honored was to enjoy one last diet Dr Pepper on his own.

One, if not the most, endearing quality that Ronnie possessed was his great sense of humor. He had a very quick wit and a knack for finding humor in even the most mundane situations, including the last moments of his life. Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced in later years, Ronnie never lost his sense of humor or his ability to see the bright side of things. Ronnie’s sense of humor will be remembered by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his legacy of laughter and joy will continue to inspire and uplift those he touched throughout his life.

Donations can be made in his honor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or to B’nai Torah of Atlanta www.bnaitorah.org. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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