Richard Herndon

1919 - 2014

Herndon, Richard died Feb.2,2014. From his Philadelphia birth in 1919 he was known for dry wit, keen intellect & modesty. His Francophilia began with a Swiss boarding school conversion to the "chocolate sandwich" while his father was assigned to the League of Nations. A foreign exchange stay with a French family earned him lifelong friends. During WWII he used French immediately after landing on D Day+3. He screened French & Belgian rescuers of American soldiers downed by Germans & interpreted aerial photos. Post-armistice he interviewed former slave workers from German occupied territory. In retirement Dick retained his linguistic skills in French & Spanish groups at the University Club of W.P. Dick graduated with honors from Lower Marion HS, Haverford, PA, lettering in tennis & soccer. At Washington & Lee U. he earned Phi Beta Kappa & Phi Eta Sigma membership while partying with Kappa Sig brothers. He studied Japanese at Yale & Harvard. He earned an MA in International Relations from George Washington U. Dick served the U.S. Foreign Service in Montreal, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Wash. D.C. & Seoul. The whole family practiced diplomacy. The Cocker obeyed Dick's commands in English, French & Japanese to shake hands with foreign diplomats. Dick married Virginia Sterne in 1943 before leaving to "fight the Hun". Their children are Martha Anne (Williamson), John Potter & Richard Dale. The latter's disability precluded further service abroad so Dick retired early. During 45 FL years he interpreted & taught Japanese & other subjects at Rollins,Seminole College & high schools. He tutored through Lifetime Learning, was a member of the Soc. of War of 1812, Asia Soc., E.S.U. & many cultural associations. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, 3 children & grandson Abbas William Samii. A memorial service will be held at St. Richard's Episcopal Church, 5151 Lake Howell Rd., W.P. on Tues., Feb. 18, 3pm. Donations may be made to The Duvall Home, Box 220036, Glenwood, FL 32722.