John Scott Herrmann, 76, of Lyndeborough, NH, passed peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on January 26, 1950, in Milwaukee, WI to the late John F. Herrmann and Corinne C. (Eggert) Herrmann, his early years were spent in New Jersey before his family relocated to West Boylston, MA.

John is remembered for his ready laughter, sharp wit, positive outlook, and his love for life. He never passed up a chance to go faster or rock louder. A man of extreme talents, John was a decorated competitive swimmer, dirt bike racer, rock climber, sailor, and speed skier -- and he never met a stringed instrument he couldn't play. An avid guitarist, bassist, and singer, he could often be found jamming to classic rock-n-roll greats like Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. Unfortunately for his hearing, John also adored live concerts and has probably attended more than most people ever will. In quieter moments, he was a voracious reader, with a particular love for sci-fi and history. He gave back generously too -- as a kids' soccer coach, on ski patrol, and through his church community, where he volunteered at events and played bass in the worship band.

Professionally, John always described his work as "translating engineer to human." After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University, he built an accomplished career across industrial materials and instrumentation, progressing from sales into managing materials and engineering divisions for global industrial suppliers.

John loved to help people and freely gave his time and talents. Many in his family and friend circle have home projects quietly bearing his fingerprints. He and his wife Toni retired to Lyndeborough, NH, where his happy place was outside doing things most people prefer to avoid -- cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood, mowing his two-acre lawn (and frequently his neighbors'), and climbing to heights on ladders that gave others pause. When the work was done, he could often be found down at the stream behind the house, sitting with the water and his thoughts.

John is survived by his wife, Toni Syrmopoulos; his three sons, John and his wife Kelly, Jason and his wife Samantha, Justin and his wife Leah; his two stepchildren, Katelyn Hardy and her husband Derrick Teh, and Benjamin Hardy and his wife Carrie; his two sisters, Bonnie Jean and Phil, and Carrie Herrmann-Chase; seven grandchildren, Brad, Ellieana, Natalia, Christopher, Davia, Kalliope, and Margaret; and several nieces, nephews, and a goddaughter. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Corinne, and his sister Andrea Reid. He leaves behind a large family rich in beautiful memories and stories -- all of them made better for having him in the room.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ's Church of Amherst at 58 Merrimack Road, Amherst, NH on May 24, 2026, at 2:30pm. All who knew and loved John, and his family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of John Herrmann may be made to the Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Institute in support of Cancer Outcomes research. Gifts can be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate please select “How to Give” and in the drop-down menu select “Make a Tribute Gift.” OR checks can be mailed to Meagan Coons in the Mass General Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Checks payable to Mass General Hospital.