Herman Manuel Atashian, 90, of New Britain, CT., beloved husband, father, brother and uncle died Monday, Nov. 14, 2016 at Bel-Air Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Newington, CT. Herman was born August 14, 1926 in New Britain, CT and was the son of the late Manue l and Lillian (Sachaklian) Atashian and the youngest of four children. Herman attended local schools and was a lifelong resident of New Britain. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1944 and was stationed in Okinawa and the Pacific Theater, receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Seaman First Class in 1946. Herman was aboard the USS Missouri in Toyko Bay on Sept. 2, 1945 and witnessed the signing of the Japanese surrender to General Douglas MacArthur. Returning stateside, Herman owned and operated Crown Auto Service on South Main Street for many years before becoming employed as a building superintendent for the City Hall Commission. Following his 1986 retirement after 30 years with the city, he worked for the Hartford County Sheriffs Department as a deputy sheriff in the New Britain Superior Court. He retired in 1996 after 12 years. Herman suffered many personal, heartbreaking losses with the untimely passing of his first wife Dorothy, his daughter, Lenore, and his second wife, Ruth. He found comfort in his family, his brother Charlie and sisters Helen and Margaret, and delighted as his nieces and nephews went on to have their own children. Our Uncle Hermie was firmly planted in the hearts of the third generation. He loved to play Greek Rummy on Saturday nights with his sister Margaret and brother-in-law Joe, and was especially fond of a game called, “Peek-a-Boo”. Card playing was nothing new, extending back to two-week vacations at Soundview Beach in Old Lyme when the young Atashian clan rented a waterfront cottage for two weeks. The siblings spent evenings on the porch tossing their pennies into the pot. It was a good time. A time when their mother and father, spouses and their growing families were together. Hermie’s fondness for card games continued well into his last years with setback around the kitchen table with his brother, Charlie, son-in-law, Ken and nieces Deanne and Deana. He enjoyed visits to the casino, lobster in the rough at Abbotts and pizza at the Paradise. Las Vegas would forever hold special memories for him. Herman was a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AARP, the Disabled American Veterans, the National Rifle Association and the National Sherriff’s Association. He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Herman is survived by his brother, Charles Atashian of Southington, CT., a son-in-law, Kenneth Derosier of New Britain, CT., and several nieces and nephews. Herman was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Swider Atashian, his second wife, Ruth Sampt Atashian, his daughter, Lenore Derosier, and his sisters, Helen Sahadi and Margaret Francolino. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Bel-Air Manor for their compassionate care and commitment to his well-being during Herman’s last weeks.
Funeral rites for Herman will be held Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT. Burial with military honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St., New Britain, CT. The American flag will be presented to Herman’s brother Charles. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home Friday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Directions to funeral home – I-84 east or west, exit 37 (Fienemann Rd) right off exit – one mile down on right. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley St., New Britain 06053. To extend condolences to the Atashian family or to share a memory of Herman, please visit shakerfuneralhome.com.

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