Obituary of Herman Karl Ruhlmann

Herman Ruhlmann, 84 of Melbourne, Fl. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 11, 2018. Born on July 2,1933 in New York City to Herman Ruhlmann Sr. and Florence Ruhlmann Juleson, the third of three sons. A 1951 graduate of Norwalk High School, Herm then proudly served in the US Navy on the submarine USS Grenadier during the Korean War. On January 18, 1958 he was married to his loving wife, JoAnn Neri in Youngstown, Ohio. Herm attended the University of Connecticut and later graduated from the University of New Haven, Ct. He began his civilian career as an Electronic Systems Engineer at the U.S. Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London, Ct. As a member of the Submarine Electro-Optics Systems Division he played a significant role in establishing the laboratory’s Submarine Periscope Research and Development Program and was recognized as an expert in periscope design, installation, maintenance and repair. He participated in the evaluation and fleet certification of a number of submarine periscopes including the Type 18 Periscope Set, which is still in service today and the Trident Periscope Ship Set. He was responsible for the design and implementation of a number of periscope upgrades, development of periscope certification guidelines and was known throughout the Navy as Mr. Periscope for his outstanding troubleshooting and repair ability. Herman was a lead engineer in support of underwater laser imaging and communications systems. He later accepted a position with NAVSEA PMS 396 as on-site representative at the Trident Command and Control System Maintenance Activity (TRICCSMA) in Groton, Ct. After retirement from Government Service he continued work in support of Periscope Systems at Analysis and Technology in New London and Electric Boat in Groton. He retired a second time from Electric Boat but remained an active consultant to the Navy supporting periscope developments. The heart of Herm’s life was his intense love of his family, his career and the sea. A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Herm and JoAnn raised their family in North Stonington and Ledyard, where they made life-long friendships that became their family. Enjoying their life by the water, Herm was a beachgoer and boat owner, and he and JoAnn developed new friendships that last to this day. Herman was well known for his humorous take on life living with a wife, three daughters, a mother-in-law and even a female dog! Later moving to Exeter, RI they lovingly restored a lakeside cottage, that was their home until their move to Melbourne, Florida in 2010. Herman became an active member of Hope Episcopal Church, especially enjoying the fellowship of his 7am Saturday morning men’s group. He served on the audit committee, as well as providing audio visual support during service on Sunday mornings. Herman was also on the board of directors in his homeowners association. He was able to maintain his submarine history when he joined the United States Submarine Veterans in Groton, Ct and later the Snug Harbor base, here in Florida. Herm’s passion in retirement was his volunteerism at The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project, a charity that honors his grandson, Morgan. He will be sorely missed by his loving wife of 60 years, JoAnn, and his three daughters, Kristen Malfara (Robert), Sandra Albaugh and Sharon Jeavons (Scott) all of Melbourne, Fl. and his five grandchildren, Jordan, Alex, B.J. Abbie and Morgan. Also survived by his step-siblings Clifford Juleson, Cheryl Dickey, and Betty Finch. Uncle Herm is survived by numerous nephews and nieces, both biological and honorary. Predeceased by his parents, brothers William and Walter, step-siblings Beverly and Raymond. He will be missed by many lifelong friends and colleagues, as well as the children at Morgan’s Place who called him Grandpa. A celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, January 21st at 3pm. at Hope Episcopal Church, 190 Interlachen Road, Melbourne 32940. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Herm requested that donations may be made to The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project, the charity that he dedicated himself to for the past 16 years at www.themorganproject.org.