Dear SIDA members and friends,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to let you know of the passing early this morning of our beloved member, Mark Herman. It is so difficult to believe that this is the unfortunate reality. In spite of his illness over the past few years, it seemed that he would go on forever. Mark was one of earliest members of SIDA, back in 1961, and remained a loyal member of SIDA, and the Democratic Party, until the very end. Mark served SIDA in many ways over the years, was a past president, and in recent years served as Executive Secretary. He also served the Democratic Party, and was recognized by the local party last year as the longest serving member of the Democratic Committee of Richmond County. Mark had been a District Leader years ago, a Board of Elections Commissioner, and in recent years, a member of Democratic Committee of New York State. Mark wasn't just a proud Democrat, he was a proud liberal Democrat! A lifelong activist, Mark would regale us with the stories about getting gassed by Mayor Daley's police force at the 1968 Democratic Convention.
Mark was my friend, my mentor, my role model, my adviser, and I will miss him. Mark was a devoted friend to those he loved. I remember his dear friend, Robin Carey. A wonderful person and brilliant woman, Robin's mind was destroyed tragically by Alzheimer's Disease. Mark was at her side to the very end, visiting her daily even when she no longer knew him.
Mark's children have said that he did not want a traditional wake or funeral; they are planning a memorial for him, with the tentative date of March 19. I will keep the members posted when I get any of the details.
Rest in Peace Mark, and give my love to Robin, Loretta, Gene, Bob, Dan, Lathrope, Henk, John Lavelle, Tyrone, and the rest of the old gang no longer with us.
With great sadness,
Joann Olbrich,
President
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UPDATED: 02/15/16
Mark Herman's family would like to invite all of you to attend a Memorial for Mark at Harmon's Funeral Home on March 19, 2016, from Noon - 2 pm.
The Harmon Funeral Home is located at 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310, Phone:(718) 442-5056.
Mark was a founding member of SIDA, and meant a great deal to this organization.