WILMINGTON, N.C. – Robert Herman, 88, passed away on Saturday, September 7.
Robert was born on June 30, 1936, to Carlyn and Benjamin Jaffe in Suffolk, Virginia. When Robert was two, his father passed away and his mother married Phillip Herman, who adopted Robert.
In middle school and early high school, Robert became an outstanding tennis and basketball player in Suffolk. In 1952, Robert’s family moved to Norfolk. During his senior year at Norfolk Academy, Robert was a member of the school’s city championship basketball team, helped found the school’s tennis team, and was a finalist in the Academy’s speaking competition. After he graduated from Norfolk Academy in 1955, he went on to study at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1959 with a history degree.
Following graduation from UVA, Robert moved to Virginia Beach to begin his career in the hospitality field. In 1963, he purchased The Lighthouse, a small restaurant on the oceanfront at Rudee Inlet. He developed a premier restaurant serving seafood dishes and, with growing popularity in the 70s and 80s, Robert expanded The Lighthouse to serve the capacity of over 600 patrons. His she- crab soup was widely popular; Gourmet Magazine requested the recipe.
Robert’s son, Scott, joined him at The Lighthouse, where they worked together for two decades. Robert attributed much of The Lighthouse’s success to his employees: “I thank all of my loyal employees.”
Robert was dedicated to the interests of the Virginia Beach resort area. He served
as a Commissioner on the Resort Area Advisory Commission and an officer of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association. He planned for the City to purchase his unique oceanfront Rudee Inlet property for com- munity development. After the restaurant was severely damaged in 2003 by Hurricane Isabel, Robert decided it was time for the City to have his property.
Robert was well known for his steady commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including his daily exercise routine. The regulars at Wareing’s Gym regarded Robert as a fixture.
In 2002, Robert married Joan Starr Selden and moved to Wilmington, N.C., where he enjoyed coastal living with his beloved wife.
Robert was predeceased by wife, Starr, and his son, Scott. He is survived by his two daughters, Cathy Jo Thomas (Dave) and Pam Herman; three grandchildren, Paris Pierce (Kyle), Elizabeth Thomas, and Walker Thomas (Tara); three great-grandchildren,
Barrett and Evelyn Pierce and Remi Thomas, and his brothers, Tom Herman (Maureen) and Steve Herman (Sally).
Robert was extremely grateful for the many years of friendship and support of Kirsten Findley and her family, Blair and Teddy Turner, and Nancy McElroy.
A private service was held in Quinby, Virginia, Starr’s family home. Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, Station 14, Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (https://vbvrs. networkforgood.com).
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements by the Williams- Onancock Funeral Home.