Robert Martin Herman

On January 18th, 2023, we said goodbye to Robert Martin Herman, better known as Rob or Papa.

Rob was passionate and loyal. He patiently waited 36 years for the sequel to Top Gun; and when it was finally released in 2022, he pretty much bought a timeshare at the Regal Cinema in Bellingham. We’re also pretty sure that he is hanging out with Goose and Iceman.

Although his Navy career was never fictionalized like that of Pete Mitchell, his life’s story was still a bestseller to those who knew him. Did you know that during Rob’s early years, he drove a cab in Vegas? And that some of the people he drove around included: Elvis Presley, Doris Day, Paul Newman, Ann Margret, and Goldie Hawn.

There is a line in Top Gun: Maverick where Penny says to Pete, “If you lost your wingman up there, you wouldn’t give up. You’d keep fighting. Those are your pilots!”

That quotation epitomized Rob. As a lifelong lover of wolves, he truly lived – and loved – with a pack mentality. If he loved you – if you were in his pack – he would always fight for you. If you ever had the misfortune of blowing out a tire on a cold wintery night and needed help – you called Rob… even when he was two hours away.

The birds of Bellingham will be in for a cruel reality check when it comes to their food rations in 2023. Rob promoted bird feeders the way Colonel Sanders promotes chicken. His property featured birdhouses the way December features Christmas lights. So, if you drive through Bellingham, and the birds appear sad, you will now know why.

Statistically, Rob lived 83 years. He was the son of August and Frances. Husband to Kathy for 53 amazing years of friendship and adventures. Father to Robbie and Michelle for over 50 years. Decorated Verizon employee for over 40 years. Grandfather to Kyle, Aidan, Jax, and Trey for 20 years. And he was a brother, an uncle, a colleague, and a friend to so, so many of us.

We may have lost our wingman; but Rob’s sense of humor and unwavering spirit will fight on – always a part of us, the people whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on May 31, 2023 at 11:00am. Lunch will follow. Details TBD.

Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).

Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin