Edward M. Herman Sr., veteran, Hercules retiree

Edward M. Herman Sr. of Millsboro passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Born July 11, 1938, he was raised in Beverly, N.J., the son of the late Edward Ralph and Susan Virginia Herman of Beverly and Sun City, Ariz.

Ed graduated from Burlington City High School in 1955 and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1956-59. He achieved the rank of sergeant (E5) while serving in the S-4 Supply Group at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Enlisting under the Buddy System with two classmates, the three remained together throughout their service, an experience he cherished throughout his life.

Following his military service, Ed attended night classes at Rider University and Rutgers University. He went on to build a distinguished 31-year career with Hercules Incorporated, serving in various plants, the home office as a project manager for standard cost systems in Europe, and later at the Research Center, where he worked as an office manager.

After retiring from corporate life, Ed embraced entrepreneurship, founding Innovative Kitchens Design Center in Newark. There he designed and sold countless kitchens and baths before selling the business 10 years later. Never one to sit idle, he next became affectionately known as the “Cutting Board Man.” What began as a hobby—crafting cutting boards from scrap Corian—grew into a passion that brought him great joy. Over 25 years, Ed handcrafted and sold more than 51,000 cutting boards before finally retiring to enjoy cruises and trips out West.

Ed was known for his quick wit, boundless creativity, and his constant pursuit of new adventures. A lifelong and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, he delighted in visiting Wrigley Field and fulfilled a dream by attending Cubs Spring Training in Arizona in March 2025.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Colleen; his daughter, Pamela Morris of Brigantine, N.J.; his son, Edward Herman Jr. (Elaine) of Landenberg, Pa.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his brother, Bruce Herman (Barbara) of Sun City, Ariz.

Ed was a devoted member of St. George’s Chapel in Harbeson.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at St. George’s Chapel, 20271 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10 a.m., with entombment following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to St. George’s Chapel in Harbeson, allsaintsandstgeorges.org, and/or Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Hwy., Ste. 101, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971-4480.

Visit Ed’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.