In Loving Memory of

Robert W. Herman

November 30, 1922- August 21, 2015

Robert Herman, noted physicist and digital computer pioneer of Orange County, CA, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2015 at the age of 92.

Bob was born on November 30, 1922 in Cadillac, Michigan to Clyde Herman and Helen Merchant-Herman. He received his BA in physics and mathematics from Kalamazoo College and his MS in physics from the University of Michigan. In 1947, he began his career in various research and management positions at the U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, CA. He received two superior accomplishment awards for contributions to weapons development and test and evaluation data acquisition. While he was there, Bob organized and directed the Data Automation Center.

In 1959, Bob made the decision to use his computer and engineering skills he developed while working for the Navy to create his unique, high speed magnetic core computer. He made the decision to resign from his civil-service position and moved his family to Orange County. With $1,000 to invest, he formed Orange County's first home grown computer company, Decision Control, Inc. of Newport Beach. His highly successful company merged with Varian Associates, Inc. Bob left Varian to launch numerous other high-tech companies. His entrepreneurial spirit and vision inspired the technology boom of Orange County.

Bob enjoyed skiing, sailing, flying, hiking, and traveling with his beloved Ida and family.

He is survived by his wife, Ida Theodor, his children Cynthia Damiano and Debra Hopkins, four grandchildren Sarah Adamek, Danielle Batchelder, Joey Damiano, and Stanton Skallerud. Bob has one sister, Patricia Bunce. His brother, Tom Herman, preceded him in death.

A celebration of life will be held on October 18, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the Hotel Laguna in Laguna Beach, CA.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.