nothin Barry Herman, 81 | New Haven Independent

Barry Herman, 81

Funeral services will be held Tuesday for one of New Haven’s great public-education and Jewish community boosters, Barry Herman.

Herman died peacefully in his sleep Sunday morning at hospice after spending six months in the hospital.

Principal Herman, circa 1975.

Herman had two separate successful careers in education.

He spent decades working for the New Haven Public Schools. He taught at Katherine Brennan School, served as principal of Winchester School, then worked in the public school system’s central office as K‑8 director, Health Start director, reading director, and public information chief.

After he retried, he launched a second career as an education professor at Sacred Heart University.

Allan Appel Photo

Barry Herman, at left, with Lee LIberman and Charlie Ludwig at an event at the Orchard Street shul, which Herman helped revive.

At the same time, Herman was a tireless volunteer in innumerable Jewish organizations in New Haven. He was the community’s institutional memory — a s well as a guiding force behind the bulging archives at the Jewish Historical Society. He edited and wrote books on New Haven Jewish history. He led tours. He hosted a public-access TV show about Jewish New Haven.

In recent years, he also helped revive a once-dead congregation and building, at the Orchard Street Shul.

Whether in the schools or in the Jewish community, Herman never forgot his roots. He thrived on helping and interacting with people, young and old alike.

This June, the historical society — where Herman handed out so many awards and paid tribute to so many others — turned around and hosted an annual breakfast honoring Herman. Sadly, he was too ill to attend. He did send remarks to be read aloud, and the crowd prayed for him.

Following is Herman’s obit, released Sunday by the funeral home:


Dr. Barry E. Herman, 81, died at CT Hospice, Branford, Sunday, Aug 7, 2016 after a long illness. Born in Newport, RI Jan. 13, 1935, he was the son of the late Louis & Helen (Kravetz) Herman. Devoted Brother of Barbara (Werner) Hirsch. Beloved Uncle of Melissa (Charles) Rosenay and the late Lawrence Larry” Hirsch. Cherished Great-Uncle of Lauren, Harry & Ian Rosenay.

He was a respected educator, retired administrator from the New Haven School System, served on the Hamden Board of Education, professor at Southern Connecticut State University, retired professor from Sacred Heart University, past president of the Ethnic Heritage Center & Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven, author of numerous books and articles, producer/host of Jewish Forum” TV program.

Funeral Services: Robert Shure Funeral Home, 543 George St, New Haven Tuesday morning 10:30. Interment Services follow at Beth Israel Cemetery, Fitch St, New Haven.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to Jewish Historical Society, 270 Fitch St, New Haven, CT 06515, Cong. Beth Israel, 232 Orchard St, New Haven, CT 06511 or Southern CT Hebrew Academy, 261 Derby Ave, Orange CT 06477. A private period of mourning will be observed. Sign on-line registry book or leave message of condolence: www.shurefuneralhome.com

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