Judge Gary Wayne Herman

Judge Gary Wayne Herman, known best for his pastries at Rider’s Inn’s Sunday brunch, passed away December 15, 2018, at the Hospice of the Western Reserve at the age of 69 after an 18-month long battle with cancer and his wife and best friend former Judge Elaine Crane at his side.

He was born in Lima, Ohio, the the son of Robert “Doc” and Margene “Mac” Herman.

He attended high school in Wapokoneta, college at Purdue University, graduated from Tarkio College in Missouri, and received his law degree from Ohio Northern University. He practiced law in Auglaize County for several years when he was called upon by fellow lawyers to run for the Auglaize County Municipal Court. He won his election (a favorite story of his) and served for 36 years with distinction. Judge Herman retired on January 2, 2018. His passion was doing justice for all and to spend time with defendants to earn their respect for the Rule of Law.

Personally, Gary was a man of all seasons and interests. He was an avid reader, a sportsman, a sailor, “a fisherman,” a gardener and a triathlete. He had a great love for Lake Erie and his family’s summer cottage on Middle Bass Island, where he was able to spend many great moments this past summer. He was a dedicated Cleveland Browns fan last year traveling to London to watch them play. He was a self- taught stained-glass artist, wine maker, grape grower and baker. Gary loved to show off his talents at Rider’s Inn, the restaurant and Bed & Breakfast he owned in Painesville, with his best friend and soul mate Elaine Crane. He joked upon retirement, that he traded his judicial robe for a chef’s coat. He also enjoyed listening to the Golden Oldies in the 1964 ½ Mustang he helped restore. This past September, he and Elaine were able to fulfill a lifelong wish of a friend from the United Kingdom by taking him for a ride in the car.

He was also committed to his community serving on many boards including the YMCA, Sertoma Club, the Ohio Supreme Court’s Judiciary Committee, the Municipal Court Judges’ Association and the Cleveland Memorial Society.

Gary is survived by his wife and best friend, Elaine Crane; four Goddaughters, Dr. Elizabeth Courtney Stringer, Lindsay Hailer, his niece Jill Collabella (Herman), and Dr. Beth Herman; siblings, Pam Murphy (George Murphy), John Herman (Mary Herman), Michelle Herman and Dr. George Herman (Dr. Parmie Herman); beloved nieces and nephews and their children, Jenny Stroup (Nate), Matthew Murphy (Stephanie), Jason Herman (Stacy), Jill Collabella (Ken), Jesse Herman (Grazi), Dr. Beth Herman and Dr. David Herman (Christi); lifelong friend, Steve Hailer; and his father companion Sukki, his Australian Sheppard.

A celebration of the life of Gary Wayne Herman will be held at Rider’s Inn on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 from 4 to 10 p.m. will include a music tribute at 7 p.m. Thereafter, there will be a memorial service at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Wapokoneta, Ohio 11:30 a.m. Friday December 21, 2018, followed by a light luncheon and a special session of court by the Bar Association. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Family’s Foundation in Gary’s name. Please send checks to: 2772 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094.

Arrangements are entrusted to McMahon-CoyneVitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor.

To leave condolences for the family or participate in the Memorial Tree Program, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.