Michael Herman

With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Michael E. Herman, affectionately known as

“The Hermanator.” Michael, age 86, passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at UConn Hospital in Farmington, CT, surrounded by his wife, children, family, and friends. He took his final breath at 7:55 p.m., enveloped in love and gratitude.

Born and raised in the North End of Hartford, Michael was the beloved son of Cecelia Feinstein and Joseph Herman—may they rest in peace. They instilled in him a lifelong devotion to family, friendship, and education, values that guided every aspect of his life.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Dr. Santa Irizarry Herman, his brother-in-law Amilcar Rivera Irizarry, and his loyal 5-year-old toy poodle, Tevye, who brought him endless joy.

Michael was the proud father of Justin W. Herman and wife Julie McNally, and Nathanael Herman and wife Palig Herman. His beloved grandchildren, Jacob and Sydney Herman, were his greatest joy. He also leaves behind his brother Gary Herman and wife Judy, their twins Scott and Ilana Herman, and their children—Jonas, Parker, Kendal, Dylan Eisenstein, and Vinney McCarthy.

Michael is remembered lovingly by cousins across Massachusetts, Florida, California, and South Carolina, each a meaningful part of his life’s tapestry. His friendships spanned decades and brought him tremendous joy. He cherished every connection and carried his friends in his heart always.

A Jewish memorial service will be held at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI), 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hartford Mutual Society Memorial Park, 74 Wolcott Road, East Granby, with a gathering afterward at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) to share memories and condolences. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CBI Education Fund, CBI Caring Committee, the Diabetes Association, or the Sloan-Kettering Multiple Myeloma Cancer Center.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Marie-Denise Voltaire (CNA) for her daily care and to the compassionate teams at UConn, St. Francis, Sloan-Kettering, and White Plains Hospital, with special thanks to Dr. Arzu Demirci, MD, for her exceptional kindness.

A Life of Purpose and Impact.

A dedicated educator for 51 years with Hartford Public Schools, Michael devoted his career to shaping young minds, most notably in special education. He began teaching in 1971 at Mary Hooker Elementary School and retired from South Middle School after 31½ years of service. Even after retirement, he continued teaching for nearly two more decades as a substitute at Capital Prep, the Trinity Learning Corridor, and the Juvenile Detention Center.

Michael believed in empowering students through honesty, compassion, and accountability. He built confidence and life skills in every child he taught, especially those hardest to reach. To him, students became family—and their parents, partners in their success.

Beyond the classroom, Michael shared his life’s lessons as a published author. His memoir, “They Call Me The Hermanator” (Amazon, 2020), chronicles his decades in education and the unforgettable stories of his students. Among them is Warren Lockhart, whose 2024 book “Gangster Dreams: From the Streets to Culinary Success” stands as a testament to Michael’slasting influence.

Michael was a proud graduate of Weaver High School (Class of 1957). He earned his master’s degree in Special Education from Eastern Connecticut State College and his Leadership Degree from the University of Hartford. Throughout his life, Michael wore many hats—with his brother, he co-owned two package stores; he served his country as a U.S. Army veteran and was an active Mason. He also worked for Advo Advertising, served as an administrator for the Hartford Migratory Program, and took on countless odd jobs with humor and humility—from painting bridges to working in a fish market.

Michael lived fully, loved deeply, and gave endlessly. His laughter, wisdom, and warmth will be missed by all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing—and may the spirit of The Hermanator continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.