Herman Joseph Lettich

Herman Joseph Lettich, 80, passed away at home in Laurel, MD surrounded by his family on August 20, 2025 after a very long battle with Vascular Dementia.

Joe was born on September 14, 1944, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In his early teens, he moved to Maryland with his father. After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 4 years, serving during the Vietnam War aboard the USS America. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. He had a fulfilling career, but was most proud of his position he retired from in 2012 as a Construction Analyst at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Specially Adapted Housing Unit, where he reviewed construction plans and specifications to adapt houses to meet the needs of our Disabled Veterans across the United States.

In his spare time and prior to his illness, Joe could be found in his garage tinkering on a car, most likely a Jeep as he was an avid enthusiast, owning many Jeeps over the years. When giving directions to his home, he would add “Just look for the house with all the Jeeps!”. He loved to travel and was able to travel the world over the years. He enjoyed several trips to Veli Losinj, Croatia, which was the home of his paternal grandparents. In retirement, he enjoyed cruising with his wife all over the Caribbean. He cherished the last family vacation he took in 2022 with his wife, children, their spouses and all of his grandchildren to San Juan, Puerto Rico, sharing where he grew up, where he went to school and the beach he played on as a child.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia (nee' Brady); his daughter, Kelly (Colin) McGonigal; his son, Kevin (Jan) Lettich; 6 grandchildren, Mollie, Declan, Flynn, Audrey, Riley and Everett; one sister-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Herman L. Lettich; his mother, Zayda Dueno and his sister, Grizelle Lettich.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Fulton, MD on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dementia Society of America.