H. David Herman

H. David Herman of Newark, Del., Trustees Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music and former University Organist at the University of Delaware, died of cancer on April 8, 2024. Born on Oct. 24, 1944, in Williamsport, Pa., to Thelma (Shaible) and C. LaRue Herman, David took to music as a child and went on to make a joyful noise throughout his lifetime, most often on the organ.

He met his future wife, Lauri, in their freshman year music theory class at Wittenberg University; they were married in the university chapel two days before their graduation. David went on to earn his Master’s at the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Kansas. Years later, he also earned an honorary Mus.D from Nashotah House Theological Seminary. A lifelong learner himself, he spent his career teaching music theory and composition to university students, first at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and then at the University of Delaware, where he chaired the music department for 14 years and taught for nearly 30. He also created and hosted several music series at UD, including Bach’s Lunch and Music For a While.

Alongside his academic work, David served as organist at a succession of parish churches – often with Lauri by his side as the choir director – and considered leading congregations in spirited worship to be his most significant accomplishment. As a touring organist, he played the likes of Bach, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Jan Bender at the consoles of historic cathedrals and parish churches throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Germany, and the U.S., noting with an arched brow that the bats will happily keep you company when practicing late at night in Westminster Abbey. As a composer, David contributed more than 40 original pieces of sacred music to the world. As an author, he proudly shared his personal and professional experiences in articles for the renowned organ-focused magazine The Diapason and journals for fellow music educators and department chairs.

As a reader, he delighted in immersing himself in WWII history and had such devoted affection for the works of author P.G. Wodehouse that he named his pesky pancreas (Rupert) and misbehaving liver (Orlo) after quirky characters from the Wodehouse canon. As a storyteller, his nimble wit and curated vocabulary drew quick laughs and the occasional “I’ll take your word for it.” As a good sport, he embraced his alter ego of Big Dave bestowed upon him by the younger generation, often signing off on emails as B.D. As a persnickety pen user, he implored those who might be tempted to borrow one to resist that temptation so as not to ruin his pens’ “finesse.” As an enthusiast, he extolled the many virtues of gin and whisky, going so far as to apply gin to his pressure points when preparing an evening’s libation. As an appreciator of nature from the comfort of a screened-in porch, he reveled in his wife’s English-style gardens and was always particularly delighted to welcome the brave crocuses and sweet lilacs each year.

As a parent, he found joy in “the quarter game,” challenging his kids to “name that composer” (or at least the correct century) for $0.25. As a grandparent, he studiously oversaw the cousins playing with his Christmas train and its accompanying shops and figures under the piano each year. As a pet owner, he preferred cats but had affection for dogs, including his granddog Theo, whom he called Phipps. As a natty dresser with an affinity for Warner Bros. cartoons and the element of surprise, his sock game was strong (and, incidentally, the only game he ever played).

As a traveler, he admired trains but came to appreciate the beauty of a ship, setting sail for two trans-Atlantic crossings on the Queen Mary II and several cruises in his time. As a retiree, he and Lauri basked in the sun at their South Florida home to escape the chillier Delaware winters. And as a volunteer, he played nostalgic melodies on the grand piano at the Helen Graham Cancer Center in Newark, where he ultimately would return as a patient himself.

David was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Joan Bart and Diane Harris; and granddaughter Emilia Nider. Survivors include Lauri, his wife of 58 years; daughters Anne (and son-in-law Noel) Delgado of Freehold, N.J., and Kate Herman Nider of Fairfax, Va.; grandchildren James and Matthew Delgado and Bella and Allie Nider; and a host of nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.

A service in celebration of David’s life will be held May 18, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark, DE 19711. David’s family sends their deep gratitude to Dr. Jamal Misleh, Jodie, and the staff of the MOHC, as well as to Delaware Hospice and his wonderful primary nurse there, Michelle. Those who wish to commemorate David’s life could consider a donation in his name to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchmans Road, Suite 200, Newark, DE 19702 or online by clicking here, the music ministry at Newark United Methodist Church at the address listed above or online by clicking here, or the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Christiana Care Office of Philanthropy, 4000 Nexus Drive, Suite W3-300, Wilmington, DE 19803 or online by clicking here. Or, simply raise your favorite gin, whisky, or coffee (the last only around 11:30 a.m.; he was a tea-drinker first thing) to a life well lived.