Following is the obituary for GERALD FRANCIS HERMAN, submitted for his family by the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home in Fairfield.

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Gerald Francis Herman, of Westport, was born in Chicago, Ill., to Vera and Algerd Herman and was the brother to Lois Nevar. 

He received a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Chicago, where he conducted research at the Enrique Fermi Institute. He completed both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Department of Meteorology.

He attained the position of associate professor of meteorology at the University of Wisconsin/Madison, where he worked for 11 years. 

Throughout his career, his academic research specialty was polar meteorology with an emphasis on atmospheric thermodynamics and artic cloud processes. While a professor, Gerald consulted for the NASA Goddard Research Institute and took a sabbatical year at Oxford University, England, working with the atmospheric science group. He also received an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin/Madison. 

He was recruited by Merrill Lynch to apply mathematical techniques he used for weather predictions to bond markets. He subsequently worked in fixed income investments for Swiss Bank Corp. and then the American International Group, retiring after working for over 20 years with the firm. 

Throughout his academic and business career, Gerald thoroughly enjoyed working with both his students and colleagues. He enjoyed adventurous travels, and took many long trips throughout Europe and Alaska, particularly enjoying the Kenai Peninsula. 

He was a patient and kind man, and in his free time, he relaxed by playing traditional Irish music on his violin. Most important, he held his friends close and was loved and adored by his family. He died peacefully at his home on Oct. 25, 2024, beside his wife Vesna J. Herman and son Francis J. Herman.

Calling hours will be on Friday, Nov. 1, from 5-7 p.m., at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield. Mass in Celebration of Life will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Church, 49 Turkey Hill Road North. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, 1530 Bronson Road, Fairfield. 

To send an online condolence, visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.