Roger Hernsdorf passed away at the age of 87 on Oct. 4, 2025, surrounded by family.
When his family moved to Granby in 1970, Roger immediately became engaged in the community. His service to the town would span decades. Elected to the board of selectman 1974–1979, he also served as first selectman 1991–1995. He served as town treasurer for 25 years and on CPPAC, the Library Expansion Study, Granby Chamber of Commerce, Granby Lions and Granby Homes for Senior Citizens/Stoney Hill Village. Roger coached Little League in the 1970s and proudly drafted three girls in the first season they were allowed to play. He was a cubmaster, an avid gardener and a master carpenter. His was a full and generous life.
Roger and his second wife, Diane Neumann-Hernsdorf, who served as Granby’s first female first selectman, formed a partnership of community leadership that was honored by the town with proclamations of thanks, and in 2022, Roger was honored as Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day Parade.
Roger and his first wife, Patricia Whitmore Jury, were founders of Information Products, Inc. that combined Patricia’s ground-breaking work as one of the earliest women computer coders. The business also took advantage of Roger’s experience as an IBM salesman, and after graduating from Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Okla., a military career that included serving as a captain in the New Jersey National Guard.
His contributions to the town of Granby will live on as tribute to a life dedicated to public service and good fellowship.