Roger A. Hernsdorf

Roger Alan Hernsdorf, 1937 – 2025 Roger Alan Hernsdorf, 87, of Granby, Connecticut, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 4, 2025, after a brief stay in hospice care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. Born on October 10, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Roger studied chemistry at Fairleigh Dickinson University before joining the U.S. Army. He graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1959 as a Second Lieutenant, later serving in the New Jersey Army National Guard, where he rose to the rank of Captain and worked full time as a staff officer. After retiring from military service, Roger joined IBM as a salesman, where his warmth, humor, and gift for storytelling made him a natural. In the 1970s he and his first wife, Patricia Whitmore Jury, founded Information Products, Inc., a pioneering business that combined Roger's salesmanship with Patricia's groundbreaking work as one of the early women coders, writing software beginning in 1960. Their partnership reflected Roger's continuing commitment to women excelling in every arena. Roger moved to Granby in 1970 and soon became a deeply engaged member of the community he loved. He served on the Board of Selectmen (1974–1979), as First Selectman (1991–1995), and as Town Treasurer for twenty-five years. Over the decades he lent his energy to numerous committees and organizations, including the Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee, Land Study Committee, Library Expansion Study Committee, Granby Chamber of Commerce, Granby Lions Club, and Granby Homes for Senior Citizens (Stony Hill Village). In 1998, Roger married Diane Neumann-Hernsdorf, an equally devoted public servant who also served as First Selectman of Granby. Together they formed another remarkable partnership-two civic leaders who shared a deep love for their town and for one another. The Town of Granby honored them both with proclamations recognizing their leadership, and in 2022 Roger was named Grand Marshal of the Memorial Day Parade, a tribute to his decades of public service and enduring presence in community life. Roger brought the same enthusiasm to family life and personal pursuits. He coached Little League in the 1970s, championing the inclusion of girls in the league and proudly drafting three in the first season they were allowed to play. He served as Cubmaster for the local Cub Scouts and, with his family, tended a several-acre garden. A precise and passionate woodworker, he inherited his skill from his father, a master carpenter, and delighted in restoring and tending his various homes over the years. Roger was predeceased by his beloved wife, Diane. He is survived by his former wife Patricia; their children Dale Hernsdorf (David Ramus), Bryce Hernsdorf (Lisa Totz), and Kelly Hernsdorf (Kerry O'Dea); grandchildren Noah and Annie Saperstein, Alex, Cooper, and Ellie Hernsdorf, Ronan and Avacyn Hernsdorf-Smith; and stepchildren Chip Neumann (Mireille), Jennifer Pizzanello (Dan), Kurt Neumann (Beverly), and Mark Neumann (Karen); along with step-grandchildren Nicolette and Oliver Neumann, Sarah Pizzanello, and Carly and Amy Neumann. Calling hours will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday October 26, 2025 at Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, Granby. A memorial service will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Monday October 27, 2025 at the First Congregational Church of Granby, UCC, South Campus, with military honors to open the service, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Granby Community Fund in Roger's memory. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger, please visit our floral store.