Mr. George Andrew Topper Hermanson, age 73, of Olde Towne, Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at his home in Olde Towne.
Born in Brockton, MA, he was the youngest of three sons born to the late Charles Arnold Hermanson and Katie ONeill Hermanson. Topper grew up in Rockland, MA and was a graduate of Rockland High School, Class of 1960. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for eight years. Upon being honorably discharged he enrolled at Philips Institute in Boston where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. With degree in hand, he joined General Dynamics in Groton, CT where he launched a career in Submarine Design before moving to the San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard and on to Naval Station Pearl Harbor. After eight years, he and his family set sail on a 27 sailboat that consisted of two circumnavigations before settling on Amelia Island in Olde Towne in 1982. Topper established himself as a revered and respected Boat Builder in Olde Towne at Hermanson Boat Building; aka Toppers Boat Yard. In 1998, wanderlust set in once again and Topper set out on bicycle adventures that netted him pedaling over 150,000 miles through the United States, South America, Vietnam and portions of the Tour de France.
He had previously attended the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie and David Hermanson.
Topper leaves behind his son, Chance Hermanson, Jacksonville, FL , his companion and friend, Lisa, several nieces and nephews and a host of lifelong friends and acquaintances.
A gathering and time of food and fellowship will be held beginning at 4:30 pm on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the McCarthy boats docking area at the City Marina at the foot of Centre Street.
Please share his Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
