Herman Kramer

1931 - 2025

Herman Kramer, a devoted husband, father, trailblazing financial planner, veteran of the United States Air Force, and passionate global traveler, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, in Sacramento, California. He was 93.

Born on August 16, 1931, in Baltimore, Maryland, Herman's early life reflected the foundation of discipline and ambition that would define his path. He attended the historic and prestigious Baltimore City College for high school, followed by pre-law studies at the University of Baltimore. In 1951, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and spending several formative years stationed across Europe, including Wiesbaden, Germany, and Travis Air Force Base in California. Remarkably, he was in Rome, Italy, on March 5, 1953, the day Joseph Stalin died-an event that deeply impacted the global landscape he would later explore.

After his military service, Herman earned a business management degree with a minor in industrial management from Boston University in 1958. He entered the financial industry during its formative years, where he became a pioneering force. In 1973, he was part of the inaugural class to earn the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. As a respected voice in the field, he delivered the commitment speech for that first graduating class, a moment he always held with great pride. His influence extended to academia, teaching financial planning at Villanova University and later delivering a memorable commencement address at Santa Clara College, anchored by the phrase: "If it is to be, it is up to me"-a ten-letter mantra that captured his enduring belief in personal responsibility and empowerment.

In 1996, Herman married Carole Sacre. Together, they made their home in Rancho Murieta, California, and enjoyed an extraordinary life enriched by travel, family, and shared purpose. They split their time between their beach condo in Rosarito Beach, their mountain home in Lake Tahoe, and their Rancho Murieta residence. Their travels took them around the worldfrom the alpine beauty of Austria and Germany to the rugged wonders of Alaska, the mysterious Galapagos, and the cultural richness of Argentina and Peru.

Herman lived with intention, always looking ahead and always committed to excellence in everything he did. Whether in service to his country, shaping the future of financial planning, mentoring students, or simply enjoying the sunrise from a beach or mountaintop, he brought intelligence, warmth, and unwavering curiosity to every chapter of his life.

He leaves behind his beautiful wife Carole, daughter and son in law Jenny and Matthew Niello and grandchildren Ryan Niello and Caroline Niello.

Additionally, he leaves a legacy of vision, service, and deep personal integrity. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Please join the family for a memorial gathering to be held to honor his remarkable life on Saturday June 14, 2025 at the Rancho Murieta Country Club 3 o'clock p.m.