Herman Lee Riffe, 68, of Leonardtown, Maryland, died July 27, 2011 surrounded by his loving family at the Hospice House in Callaway, Maryland.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman H. Riffe; and Mother, Cosby F. Riffe.

Survivors include his son Stephen L. Riffe of Fredericksburg, Virginia; son John M. Riffe and wife Diane of Leonardtown Maryland; and four very beloved grandchildren: Brittany, Sarah, Caroline and Joe.

Originally from Grundy, Virginia, Herman was recruited as an elementary school teacher in 1965 by St. Mary's County Public Schools. Mr. Riffe dedicated his life to the education of elementary school children, retiring after 25 years. The majority of his career was as an elementary school principal at the following schools: Piney Point Elementary, Town Creek Elementary and White Marsh Elementary.

Herman could best be described as the "gentle giant," towering above most at 6 foot 6 inches. During his 46 years in St. Mary's County, he was an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #2092, Hollywood Moose Lodge, Lions (serving many times as King Oyster at the Oyster Festival), and Optimist Club. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed working the daily crossword puzzles. Most recently, he had developed a passion for being the very best "Pop - Pop" to his grandchildren.

Mr. Riffe received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bluefield State University, Bluefield, WV, a Masters in Management and Supervision from Frostburg State College, Frostburg, MD, and completed post graduate work at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.

The family will receive friends for Herman's Life Celebration on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. An Elks Memorial Service will be conducted by Elks Lodge # 2092 at 6:30 p.m. A memorial service will follow with Meredith Wilkins-Arnold, pastor of Solomons United Methodist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Herman's honor to the Elks Educational Scholarship Fund, St. Mary's County Elks Lodge # 2092, P.O. Box 277, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.