- April 19, 2024
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Hermann Peter Paarmann
Hermann Peter Paarmann of Palm Coast passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023 at the age of 74.
“Pete,” as he was called by his siblings, was born on November 14, 1948 in Palermo Italy – five years after the allied invasion. His childhood in Sicily shaped his many quirks, including his frugality and his unique taste in food (sardine sandwiches were a favorite snack). “Pete” and his siblings would cause mischief around town, making their way through the beaches of Mondello, mountain town of Monreale, and the morbid Capuchin Catacombs (where he and his brother Art may be responsible if some skeletal remains in the crypts lack their original skull). His intellect and curiosity were apparent at an early age when he taught himself to fix radios, to earn money for the family.
While Hermann was an American citizen from birth through his father, he did not move to the US until the age of 16. Speaking little English he found work at a local Italian restaurant in Clinton, Iowa. Through sheer determination, he taught himself English and joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served as both an enlisted and reserve Sailor for 12 years. He cherished his time traveling the world alongside Art on the USS Raleigh, USS John W. Weeks, and USS Power. During this time, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and upon his honorable discharge, he found his home in Virginia where he enjoyed his career with Dominion Energy as a skillful electrical engineer. He met his wife, Lynn, while bicycling in Maymont Park in Richmond, VA and they married on December 19, 1981.
Hermann had a deep love for his country, the sea, bicycling, literature (Mark Twain was a fan favorite), and tinkering with machines. He had questionable taste in music (the soundtrack at home typically cycled between operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti, a bargain bin album of ABBA’s greatest hits, and his own acapella rendition of “I’m Henry VIII I Am” by Herman’s Hermits). As a true Italian, Hermann had impeccable fashion sense, proudly donning bungee cord belts and sandals made from velcro sneakers with cut out toes (please note the comment about frugality).
Hermann is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Paarmann, mother, Nella Gervasi, and sister, Flora Carrubba. He is survived by wife Lynn Paarmann, daughter Emily Paarmann, brother Arthur Paarmann (Diann), sister Dolores Paarmann, and nieces and nephews.
Hermann will be interred with military honors at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made in his honor to the Livestrong Foundation or the Wounded Warriors Project.
Heritage Funeral & Cremation Service of Bunnell, FL assisted with arrangements. www.HeritageFlagler.com
