Eric Anthony Herrmann, age 50, passed away peacefully during the early morning of Saturday, June 15, 2019, after a long, hard-fought battle with metastatic esophageal cancer. Eric was a lifelong resident of San Antonio, Florida and a descendant of several early Florida Pioneer families. He was born July 15, 1968, in Dade City, Florida to Edward Joseph "Eddie" Herrmann and Mary Patricia "Patsy" Miller Herrmann. Eric graduated from Saint Anthony Catholic School in 1982 and from Pasco High School in 1987. He also attended Pasco Hernando Community College, now known as Pasco Hernando State College. Eric loved his family and he loved his church, he was an active member at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in San Antonio. Eric also loved his community and he loved his friends, he made no enemies. Eric's love for his community and passion for history was witnessed by his involvement in many local historical preservation projects and community events. Eric spearheaded the efforts for restoration of the San Antonio Atlantic Railroad Depot, a historic building that was once destined for destruction. The depot once again stands proud thanks to years of hard work and dedication by Eric and many others. Today the depot is used for meetings by various groups and local musicians. Eric is also responsible for the Military War Memorial in the San Antonio City Park and many other community projects and events that have happened over the years. Like his grandfather and father before him, Eric was always helping with something.A quote from his friend Douglas Keith Sanders, "Eric, his dad and grandfather, had a long-standing joy and love of their community. It was my luck to work with Eric by writing a grant to restore the depot in San Antonio. I had finally found a person who loved trains as much as I do. Stop by the depot and pause to think about Eric and the Herrmann family. I was able to see a great family to preserve their roots and touch so many lives."Eric was passionate about his photography. Some of his work can be seen hanging in the lobby of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. Eric also worked for many years at North Tampa Photography. He was also the "Herrmann Family Photographer" in charge of the almost impossible task of getting 100+ people to pose for the annual Thanksgiving group photo. Not an easy job! Eric was involved his entire life with the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival. For many years Eric coordinated the Wooden Gopher Races at the festival and was lovingly known as the "gopher guy!"Eric will live on in our hearts and memories as an example of a dedicated civil servant and community leader. Eric's spirit will live on as we remember his dedication and passion for his family, church, community, and his friends. He will be missed in ways we haven't even thought of yet...Eric is survived by his loving mother Patsy. Eric also leaves behind four older siblings; brother Michael and wife Tammy of San Antonio, sister Amy Greif and husband John of San Antonio, brother Larry and wife Renee of Lakeland, sister Laura Bailey and husband Keith of Micanopy. Eric also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, two great-nephews, two great-nieces, and many dear friends, all of whom he truly loved. He was preceded in death by his father Eddie Herrmann and his grandparents; Joe & Rose Herrmann and Fred C & Shirley Miller.Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, (32832 Saint Anthony Way) with burial to follow at Saint Anthony Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday evening at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church where a Rosary service will take place at 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eric's name to the City of San Antonio. Please specify; "Railroad Depot Upkeep" to: City of San Antonio - P.O. Box 75, San Antonio, FL 33576.

Visitation

Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Friday, June 21, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 32830 Saint Anthony Way San Antonio, FL 33576 Directions Rosary Service

Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Friday, June 21, 2019 7:00 PM 32830 Saint Anthony Way San Antonio, FL 33576 Directions Funeral Mass

Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Saturday, June 22, 2019 11:00 AM 32830 Saint Anthony Way San Antonio, FL 33576 Directions