Frederick A. "Rick" Herman

Gorham – Frederick A. "Rick" Herman, age 68, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025, after a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Gail Dorr Herman; two siblings, Patricia (Roger) Rylott and Bill Herman (Lynda Krens); mother-in-law, Marian Dorr; brother-in-law, Bill (Deirdre) Dorr; sister-in-law, Susan Dorr; five nieces, Alicia (Shawn) Hubbard, Laurie Rylott, Sherri Bruce (Clayton Crain), Marian (Alan) Marchiori and Sarah Dorr; eight nephews, Christopher (Ann Marie) Herman, Patrick Herman, Jonathan Herman, Danny (Cheryl) Rylott, Bill (Jennifer) Dorr, Patrick Dorr, Kyle (Sarah) Dorr and Andrew Krens; dear friends who are like family, Kathleen, Kelsey, and Reed Walrath, and Mike, Nancy, and MJ Bentley; and his beloved feline friend, Rosie. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred "Bud" Herman and Mildred (Lane) Herman; father-in-law, Hollis Dorr; brother-in-law, Neil Dorr; and sister-in-law, Kathy Herman.
Rick was born in Rochester and grew up in the 18th ward. He was a graduate of St. Ambrose Parochial School, class of 1971, Aquinas Institute, class of 1975, and St. John Fisher College, class of 1979.
When Rick was a young child, he got involved in politics as his father was active in Monroe County and the City of Rochester politics. Rick got his start before the age of five, as he was the "poster child" for the Republican Party during the first gubernatorial race of the late Nelson Rockefeller. As a young child and teenager, Rick would often accompany his father to countless events that planted the seed of political interest.
Rick started his work career with Western New York State Off-Track Betting and would also volunteer as a clown to represent his company in parades, parties and other events. He later worked for Ticor Title Insurance as VP of Sales and Marketing. In 1994, Rick found his dream job as CEO of Rochester Homebuilders and worked there until his passing. His guidance and leadership developed the organization to grow and pivot as the building industry changed.
Rick was a believer that one needs to share your God given gifts by participating in community service. Rick was a past chairperson of the Ontario County Republican Committee. He started in 1994 and was re-elected for five two-year terms. Rick was the Past President of Kiwanis club and formerly served on the Board of Directors for Strong Children's Hospital. He is the longest serving Board Member for Providence Housing Development Corporation in Rochester and was active up to his passing. Rick was a past President for Ontario County Habitat for Humanity and was instrumental in the transition of Ontario County to Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the Canandaigua Elks Lodge. Rick enjoyed boating, being on Canandaigua Lake, traveling, flower gardening and restoring his two wooden boats.
He had a motto for his life "You are not here for a long time, but here for a good time" and he certainly had a good time. Rick will be remembered as a devoted husband, caring brother, loving uncle, true blue friend, businessman with ethics and morals, and an all around good guy who loved people.
His memorial mass will be celebrated Friday, August 8, at 11am, at St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Private interment will be in Canandaigua Lakeview Cemetery, Rushville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aquinas Institute, 1127 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY 14613 or Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity, 755 Culver Rd., Rochester, NY 14609. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.