Dr. Emil Edward Herman

Dr. Emil Edward Herman, age 94 of Saint Petersburg, FL. Loving husband of 64 years to Halina, a true love story. Proud father of Diane (Eric), Rob (Valerie) and grandfather of Jacob, Gabriel, Eli and Benjamin. Devoted son of the late Alice and Paul Herman. Dedicated brother of Helen (Perry) and Yitzhak (Elaine).

A Holocaust survivor, he was a frequent speaker and active at the Florida Holocaust Museum where he also has an interactive Dimensions in Testimony hologram for future generations to hear his remarkable story; his book ‘Against All Odds’ is available at the museum. The PBS Frontline documentary ‘Never Forget to Lie’ featured his and his wife Halina’s story of going back to Poland for the first time since World War II.

He overcame significant adversity in his early years, surviving the Warsaw Ghetto (where he was with his beloved grandfather Joseph), later crossing into Hungary, persevering on his own, not knowing the language and being homeless for a time.

Despite only completing first grade formal primary schooling in Poland before the start of the Holocaust, he later went on to earn a Ph.D. in Economics from the prestigious McGill University in Montreal. He was a full Professor of Economics at the University of Cincinnati, serving as department head for several years. He was a visiting scholar at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His positive impact on thousands upon thousands of students can not be overstated, he was beloved and always willing to go the extra mile.

As he said, his life was a blessing. His kindness, integrity, intellectual curiosity and generosity of spirit were unmatched and his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of his family and friends.

In his memory, the family welcomes donations to the Florida Holocaust Museum.

Graveside service (Chapel Hill Largo) will be at noon on Friday, February 6th; funeral arrangements by Heritage Funeral Care (www.heritagecarefl.com).

A memorial celebration of life (Florida Holocaust Museum) will be held at 10:30am on Sunday, February 8th.

Shiva service on Sunday, February 8th at 5:30pm at the home of Diane, Eric and Jacob Mandell.

Heritage Funeral Care, David and Steven Gross Directors, Largo FL are serving the family.