A Life Well Played: Remembering Thomas Peter Herrmann, Engineer, Musician, Family Man

Schenectady, NY – We bid a fond, albeit sorrowful, farewell to Thomas Peter Herrmann, who passed away peacefully at his home on May 29, 2024. He was 82, and honestly, he leaves behind a legacy as rich and varied as the melodies he so loved to sing. Born in Queens, New York, on November 30, 1941, to Herbert and Elfrieda (Boesenberg) Herrmann, Tom, as he was affectionately known, was a man of remarkable intellect and an even greater heart.

You could say his journey began in earnest after graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1959. From there, he ventured north, earning his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Union College in 1963 – a foundational step in what would become a truly impactful career. And what a career it was! Tom immediately joined the ranks of General Electric in Schenectady that very year, embarking on a path that would see him touch multiple divisions, from Industrial Control to Electronic Systems.

But Tom wasn't one to simply follow. By 1980, he was at the helm as Manager of Technical Information Systems (ITS), and his leadership qualities shone brightly. This led him to presidency and CEO roles at two GE subsidiaries, Information Systems Technologies, Inc. and GENISCO. Yet, the entrepreneurial spirit was strong within him, you see. In 1993, he took a bold leap, co-founding IT-PRO, Inc., a venture that provided essential IT services until its successful sale in 2005. Even then, his mind, ever-active, wasn't ready to rest, leading him to establish TP Herrmann Consulting.

Beyond the boardrooms and technical schematics, Tom was a man deeply devoted to his community and, perhaps most vibrantly, to music. For over five decades, he lent his voice to the Mendelssohn Club, enriching countless performances. He also sang with the choirs at First Reformed Church and First Presbyterian Church, his love for Broadway and classical compositions evident in every note. And honestly, it wasn't just about performing; it was about the joy, the connection, the sheer beauty of it all.

His passions extended beyond the concert hall. An avid golfer, Tom was a familiar and cherished presence at the Mohawk Golf Club, a member for more than 50 years. The greens, the camaraderie—they were a vital part of his life's rhythm. He also relished traveling the world with his beloved wife, Susan. Their 58 years of marriage, in truth, stand as a testament to enduring love and shared adventure.

But if you asked him, his greatest joy, his true masterpiece, was his family. He treasured time spent with his wife, Susan M. (Mann) Herrmann; his children, Peter A. Herrmann and his wife Karen, and Amy L. Herrmann and her husband Michael O'Brien. And the grandchildren? Emma, Jack, Finn, and Charlotte—they brought an undeniable sparkle to his eyes. Summers spent at Lake George, surrounded by laughter and loved ones, were moments he held most dear.

Tom is also survived by his dear sister, Jane E. Herrmann. He joins his parents, Herbert and Elfrieda, and his brother, H. George Herrmann, in eternal rest. Thomas Peter Herrmann was, for once, more than just an accomplished engineer or a dedicated musician. He was a beacon of warmth, integrity, and boundless curiosity. He will be remembered not just for what he achieved, but for the profound kindness he shared, the rich harmony he added to every life he touched, and the quiet strength with which he lived.