Raymond “Coach” Herman, 81, of Forks Township, died Saturday, November 30, 2019.
Born October 6, 1938 in Hellertown, he was a son of the late Walter and Mildred (Fritchman) Herman.
Ray was a teacher at Easton Area High School for over 30 years and retired in 1991. He was also the track coach and cross country coach at the high school for over 30 years. He was featured in Sport Illustrated as the top most winning cross country coach in the country.
Surviving are his step-son, Scott Odenwelder and his wife, Tabitha, with whom he resided; sisters, Carol Szarko of Oley and Joan Mathias and her husband, Ken, of Hellertown and a grandson, Tristen. His companion, Joan Odenwelder died in 2009.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, December 5, 2019 in Hellertown Union Cemetery, 85 Main St., Hellertown.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Chris Repsher
December 1, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Sorry for your loss Ray was a great man
Noelle (Kuzen) Cassidy
December 1, 2019 at 6:18 pm
I attended EAHS from ‘83-‘86.. Mr. Herman was my math teacher and study hall. He was always a sweet man and so kind. One of my favorite teachers to have. Rest In Peace Mr.Herman.
David Happel
December 1, 2019 at 6:26 pm
knew him as “Coach” Herman…many great memories of those years…sorry for your loss
Jennifer Summitt
December 1, 2019 at 8:28 pm
My family and myself are so very sorry for your loss! Ray was a such a kind sweet man. We met him 6 yrs ago while he was taking care of the dr’s grounds. He always had the time to take a min to say hello, or tell you how his tomatoes at home were growing etc. He was much loved and will be dearly missed. God bless . May he rest in heavenly peace. ❤
Pat Fisher
December 1, 2019 at 8:52 pm
So sorry for your loss to all his living family members. Ray and I taught and coached at EAHS for many years and enjoyed many enjoyable memories together. He was a special guy and will be missed!
Edward Engle
December 2, 2019 at 9:24 am
My condolences to Mr. Herman’s family. I want you to know he was an influence on me during my Easton High School days. 71-73. Being my teacher and X-Country coach. It brings much sadness to hear of his passing. Prayers to you all.
Doris Mendisana
December 2, 2019 at 9:32 am
Scott and family,
So sorry for your loss. He was a great person and will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Jack and Lori Young
December 2, 2019 at 10:04 am
Our condolences to his family and friends. Jack ’74 ran track and cross country for Coach Herman and recalls fond memories of his “father figure” and funny stories as well. And I thank you, Mr. Herman, for being such a positive influence in my husband’s life. May you Rest in Peace.
Carole O’Connell
December 2, 2019 at 11:49 am
Coach Herman WAS Easton track and field. He not only taught his runners to excel at their events. He also taught them to be good people and good teammates. My daughter became a hurdler because, at an early meet in her career, he told her just to run fast and jump over whatever was in the way! We parents enjoyed going to meets because Coach always welcomed us as part of the running family.
He will be missed.
RIP Coach
.
Richard Leidich
December 2, 2019 at 12:49 pm
I knew Ray since I was 8 years old. During the summers Ray worked for my Grandfather on the Hellertown Cemetery. I usually spent a couple weeks with my grandparents. I loved hanging out with him. He always made me feel loved. During his college years, while working on the cemetery, he would take me to the Dewey Carnival and treat me to all the rides and snacks. For a young boy, in the 50’s that was very special.
When he broke his leg, we had a lot of fun teasing each other since my leg was injured due to Polio. I coached him on how to properly limp.
When I attended EAHS he would always take time to say hello. When I was in the halls, changing classes, he was always at his classroom door and he called out to me as I passed by. He was a great man.
Tom Frank
December 2, 2019 at 1:29 pm
Ray was a great guy and a terrific coach as well as a inspiration to many students whose life he influenced. A good friend and will be missed, Tom
Kathy Butler Evans
December 2, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Mr. Herman changed my life. He was the best coach I have ever had. Changes my life and made me a better person. So sad to hear this. Wish I had the chance to tell him what he meant to me
Ronnie Bossert
December 2, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Coach Herman was a giant among men. He touched the lives of countless students and athletes in ways few can. His successes in coaching are matched by his successes in teaching young people the values he believed in – honesty, humility, determination, hard work and integrity. We were so lucky to have him at EAHS; people like Herm really only come around once in a lifetime.
Stacy (Frank) Gautsch
December 2, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Wonderful memories of Coach Herman during my track and field career (85-88) at Easton High School. Endless relays in Easton’s parking lot, running to Hacketts Park to do hills, and traveling to State College for an indoor track meet. Following Coach Herman down Route 80, and having to stop at Hotel Magee in Bloomsburg along the way for dinner. Coach had a special way of motivating his athletes, and his legacy will live on through all the stories told by those who had the privilege to be coached by him. My deepest sympathy to the family, but I hope you can find some comfort in knowing how much Ray Herman was loved.
Karen (Conners) Snowden – EAHS ’82
December 3, 2019 at 7:01 pm
Coach Herman will never be forgotten at EAHS. He helped me and so many excel at x-country while keeping a sense of humor. He’d tell us how to run and eat right, while keeping it real, admitting how he loved his Mom’s pies on Sundays. It was so special having our girls’ x-country team meet up with him recently when we celebrated our induction into the EAHS Hall of Fame. Memories of Hackett’s Park hill and Herman go hand in hand. His positive influence on so many at EAHS will continue forever.
Nick Goffi
December 3, 2019 at 10:23 pm
Coach Herman was truly “one of a kind.” He was a fantastic coach, teacher, and role model for my formative years from 2002-2005 at Freedom HS. Recently I completed the Boston Marathon and had the Herm’s “don’t throw in the towel” mantra cross my mind around Mile 23. Heartbreak Hill had nothing on the Hackett’s Park Hill repeats on a hot Easton summer day! His lessons will live on through his many students and athletes. May he Rest in Peace.
Monica Piro-Duffin
December 3, 2019 at 10:53 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Words can not express how influential Coach Herman was. He was a mentor, a coach, a father figure, and a wonderful human being. He changed the lives of those he coached. I will be forever grateful for the impact he has had on my life. He will be remembered forever and truly be missed. I hope he knew how important he was to everyone. May he Rest In Peace.
Rich Grucela
December 4, 2019 at 2:51 pm
My sincere and deepest sympathy to Ray’s entire family. As a colleague at EAHS it was an honor to know him. Ray was an outstanding coach and mentor to many student athletes. Truly an EAHS legend. Rest in eternal peace good friend.
WENDY WALTON
December 4, 2019 at 4:39 pm
RIP Coach “HERM”
The best coach I ever had….my life wouldn’t be the same without you….A LEGEND HAS BECOME AN ANGEL❤❤❤😥😥😥😥
EAHS. GIRLS X COUNTRY AND TRACK
james youngkin
December 6, 2019 at 11:48 am
So sad to hear of Ray’s passing, I extend my deepest sympathy to all his family. He and I were good friends during our high school years and early 20’s -playing baseball, hunting,playing cards or just hanging out together. We lost contact but I have thought of him often and have fond memories of our friendship being kids growing up in Hellertown in the 50s. So many good memories.
john horvath
December 10, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Carol,Joan, just got the news of Ray’s passing. My message is similiar to Jim Youngkin’s.We had great times together a long time ago.Ray’s death has brought back many good memories. john