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Alan Herman Obituary

Herman
Alan I. Herman
Alan I. Herman, 87, an attorney living in Arlington, VA, passed away on February 10, 2024 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Irene Szopo; two children, Cynthia Herman and Gregory Herman, as well as an abundance of friends. A second son, David Herman, predeceased him. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Audrey Herman, Caroline Morin, Samantha Morin, Benjamin Morin, and his brother Seymour Herman. Alan was born in New York City, NY in 1936, received a B.S. degree in accounting from New York University, a J.D. from Syracuse University and an LLM from Yale Law School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate, his career taking him to Germany, the Philippines, and five years each as a professor at the Air Force Academy and as an Appellate Judge on the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, among other assignments. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, he was employed as the Clerk of the D.C. Court of Appeals and later worked for AARP's Legal Counsel for the Elderly. Since 1989, he was an active mediator for the D.C. Superior Court Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division and helped train new mediators. A strong proponent of low bono legal services, he assisted in founding DC Refers, a network of affordable lawyers who represent modest-means clients at below-market rates. He was also a member of the Alexandria Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society and the Arlington Philharmonic. A voracious reader, he appreciated the arts, traveling, and museums. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and at his cabin in the mountains. He was a lifelong animal and wildlife lover. He was an avid tennis player at the ANCC, where he was a member. We will forever miss his great sense of humor and positive outlook on life. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alexandria Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, or the Arlington Philharmonic.

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Published by The Washington Post from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18, 2024.

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5 Entries

J. Jeremiah Mahoney

February 27, 2024

Alan I. Herman was an appellate judge on the U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal appeals when I was appointed to the court in 1980. In age and rank I was the junior judge until I was reassigned in 1982. In that short span Al was a great influence and friend. I discovered that we both graduated from the same law school, collected stamps and we played squash and tennis. When we discussed pending decisions in criminal cases, his observations and critiques were a valued influence on other panel members, and on the court’s reasoning as expressed in its decision. When Al retired from the Air Force he was honored to be selected as the Clerk of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Once, after playing tennis, he invited me to come over on a Friday afternoon. I was surprised to find that his office had a wet bar, but even more surprised that Ruth Bader Ginsberg (then a Judge on the DC Court of Appeals) stopped by for a social conversation. As others have noted, Al had a great sense of humor and a lot of friends. Recently he attended one of the retired Air Force JAG’s semi-annual luncheons. We had a great conversation, but all too short.

Karen Currie

February 20, 2024

Thank you Al and the Herman Family for sharing him with LCE for alllllll those years. My best,
Karen Currie

Mary Ann Parker

February 17, 2024

Al was my boss at Legal Counsel for the Elderly for several years. I couldn't have asked for anyone better to support and guide me. Also, he introduced me to the Alexandria Harmonizers! I went to numerous concerts and had a great time thanks to Al. He will be so missed!

Ike Evans

February 17, 2024

Al was the quintessential Harmonizer, giving of his time and talents through the years. He loved many styles of music and was so good about informing friends to upcoming events that might interest them. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Olga Zwozda

February 16, 2024

The recent loss of your husband came as a shock to me. I fondly recall playing tennis at the ANCC with Alan and Irene, not so long ago! My sincere and heartfelt sympathies are with you during this time of sorrow. Olga Zwozda

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