Memories of Herman Broghammer
Ex-coworker: I felt 'heartsick' on 9/11
I worked with Herman many years ago in the New York office of A&A (now Aon). He was a class act. Always happy and always there whenever you needed him. We kept in touch after I moved to Philadelphia and then Florida. The first person I thought of on 9/11 was Herman and can still remember how heartsick I felt when I learned that he did not make it out. I will always remember Herman fondly and pray that his family is doing well.
Robyn Hubbard, Kenner, La.
Ten years ago, on a cloudless September Tuesday my family and my country experienced a day steeped in heartache and longing. On that day, along with thousands of others, my father-in-law Herman Broghammer, was killed while working in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. After a decade of reflection and 10 memorial ceremonies filled with tears, it’s time to channel our focus into something positive because Herman truly loved every moment he was on this earth.
Life is about showing up
Life is about showing up, and family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers found ways to support us in our new post-9/11 world. They brought food, drinks, and tokens of comfort. They posted missing person flyers and called hospitals. All supported us during a dark time, and 10 years later those friends haven’t disappeared. Like many of us, Herman didn’t always love his job, but he successfully provided for his family while almost never complaining (the lone exception being periodic complaint letters to his old rival – the Long Island Rail Road). He woke early. His work took him across oceans and continents. On many nights he arrived home later than he would have liked, his sense of responsibility propelling him forward.
In our busy lives, we so often ruminate about all of life’s obligations. When we skip out on those “optional” events, we miss out on all the moments that make life beautiful and give it meaning. Call an old friend. Attend the party even if you don’t know anyone but the host. Leave the work on your desk (it will still be there tomorrow) and instead watch your child’s soccer practice. Commit to your memory the feeling of holding your child’s small hand; for all we have is a moment in time.
People who sing in church pray twice
If you had the experience of sitting next to Herman during Mass, no doubt you would have heard what could only be characterized as an epic failure of sound. He’d be the first to admit he was one of the worst singers in the parish. But he always said, “People who sing in church pray twice.” I love that he was never discouraged by his shortcoming, and his lack of vocal prowess only strengthened his resolve. I love that he was proud of his faith and that it wasn’t just on display on Sunday. He was a Eucharistic minister, active in the Knights of Columbus, and when someone would ask for a volunteer, he was the first to raise his hand.
Through him, I’ve learned:
* To embrace my failures and through those, find my motivation;
* To participate, even if I may be out of my comfort zone; and
* To find time to do good works; you have more time than you think you do.
Your legacy begins today
Herman is remembered for his hearty laugh, a grin that went from ear-to-ear, and an effervescent personality that my grandmother would say was “like 7-up”. Friends remember him for the power of a sincere, well-timed compliment or an encouraging word when the world felt heavy. He’s remembered as the consummate host of parties where everyone had a wonderful time and your glass was never empty. He was a terrible golfer but that never stopped him. He was the son of immigrants who made his own success. He was a leader who always paused to thank those who made his success possible, especially those who worked for him. He derived as much pleasure from a Krispy Kreme as he did some of the most exclusive fare in New York City. He’d tell you his greatest successes were his family – his wonderful marriage to his beloved wife Ursula and his son John and his daughter Amy, of whom he was so proud of their accomplishments and character. This is his legacy.
Your legacy begins today.
Amy K. Broghammer, Pound Ridge
Coworker: An 'outstanding manager'
Herman and I worked closely together at the GEICO office in the Empire State Building in the mid to late 1960s. He was a great guy!
He was a hard worker, always with a great smile on his face. He was always helping others and had a great way about him. He married the love of his life, Ursula, and I remember they honeymooned in Germany and Switzerland and were so happy. He was a great family man and an outstanding manager. Happy, outgoing and pleasant -- a true pleasure to work with. He is surely missed.
He will always be in our thoughts and prayers and, as is said, "if you live on in the hearts and minds of those you leave behind, you really never die." God Bless Ursula, John, Amy, Madelyn and William Herman. May Herman live on in your hearts and minds FOREVER.
Rose & Brian J. Dugan, Smithtown
Dentist: A gentleman with a great smile
It was an honor and privilege to have been Herman's dentist. He always came to the office with that great smile of his, and was always a gentleman. We here at North Bellmore Dental Associates remember him fondly.
David G. Rolnick, DMD, Merrick
