Richard "Rich" George Hermes Jr.

Rich was born on February 25, 1967, to Richard “Dick” Sr. and Barbara Hermes in Cincinnati, Ohio. He started grade school in Ohio before moving to Florida. He graduated from Jesuit High School, Tampa, FL, in 1985 and attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he became a loyal brother of Delta Chi Fraternity. He went on to graduate from the University of Central Florida in 1991. The majority of his professional career was spent at Charter Communications where he spent over 22 years as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

Rich loved experiencing life to his fullest. In particular, he loved traveling and exploring new places with family and friends. He spent much of his free time listening to the music of his favorite rock band, Rush, and Jimmy Buffett. He enjoyed sport shooting with his dad and family. He loved the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Rays and Buccaneers, and enjoyed many sporting events cheering them on.

In 2016, Rich married his beloved wife, Kelly. He gained two stepdaughters, Taylor and Kendall, and became a wonderful “Bonus Dad” to them. He learned to appreciate theater with Taylor and dance competitions with Kendall, where he was an official “Dance Prop Dad.” Rich brought the family their treasured Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Linus, which made them complete. Their time together was too short, but filled with life, laughter, and love.

Rich was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral, where he received the honor of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. He held the positions of Grand Knight and Financial Secretary. He was awarded the Sir Knight Herbert McPherson Award for Community Service in 2022. But, most of all he enjoyed many fish fries, doughnuts, and events with his fellow Knights.

Rich was predeceased by his mother, Barbara, and his godmother, Geri Wildermuth. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and stepdaughters, Taylor and Kendall Reynolds. He is also survived by his father, Dick and brothers, John (Tamara) and Paul, and many nephews, nieces, and loving in-laws.

Services will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral, in St. Petersburg, Florida on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1pm. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed at https://stjudesp.org/livestream-mass/.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 15 for family only.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, an organization Rich felt strongly about.

Contributions in Rich's memory may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, by clicking the link below under “Donations”.