Herman A. Anderson Jr.

1933 - 2018

Herman Andreas Anderson, Jr. died with his family gathered by his bedside, holding him close and saying "I love you." He was 85 years old and full of life and humor, always having a kind word for everyone he met. He was born and raised in Bethlehem, CT. He attended Watertown High School, Western Connecticut State University (then called Danbury State Teachers College), and earned a master's degree from the University of Connecticut. He relished his profession as a teacher. He began his teaching career in Milford and Watertown and spent 26 years teaching elementary school in West Hartford. After his retirement he spent 13 years at the University of St. Joseph supervising student teachers. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps stationed in Bremerhaven during the Cold War. He was a member of the National Education Association, the Connecticut Education Association, and the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut. He enjoyed the theater and faithfully attended Theaterworks and Goodspeed Opera and enjoyed traveling to New York City to the opera and Broadway shows. He loved traveling with his wife, watching sports (particularly the Dodgers), reading, playing golf at Stanley Golf Course and meeting friends at the Back Nine Tavern. He played slo-pitch softball in West Hartford until he was 70 years old. Herman is survived by the love of his life, Ann; his beloved children, Scott Anderson (Melissa Colonese) of Hebron, Kendra Giulini (Chad) of Higganum, Kara Chapman (David) of Plantsville and stepdaughter Sarah Boggess (Steven) of East Greenbush, NY; grandchildren Trevor Chapman, Caitlyn Anderson, Eric Giulini, Zachary Chapman, Alexander Boggess, Anna Boggess, Alyssa Anderson, Kevin Giulini and Aiden Chapman; and sister Ruth Plumb of Prospect. He was predeceased by his stepson Stephen Metzgar, sister Doris Pantelli-Cote, and stepbrother Hugh Bronson. He also leaves nieces and nephews that he treasured; he especially enjoyed the Las Vegas trips he had with the Bronson boys! He loved his family, friends and his neighbors in New Britain. He always felt the most important thing in life was people, and he loved every student he ever taught. A service of celebration will be held at South Church on 90 Main Street in New Britain (additional parking available in the city garage) on Friday, Nov. 16th at 10 a.m., followed by a luncheon at his favorite spot away from home, the Back Nine Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, where his life will be celebrated with joy and laughter. The Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com Memorial contributions can be made to the Stephen Metzgar Human Services Fund at Hudson Valley Community College Foundation, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. This fund was established in the memory of Herman's stepson and provides assistance to students pursuing careers in serving the disabled.