Herman Jeffer Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved uncle, Herman Matthew Jeffer. After 99 years of a remarkable and adventurous life filled with love, friendship, and family, Herman went to be with the Lord on January 5, 2025.
Herman was born on June 6, 1925, to Garrett and Petronella Jeffer, Dutch immigrants who settled in Midland Park, New Jersey. Raised in a loving Christian household with four brothers and three sisters, Herman's upbringing instilled in him faith, resilience, and a deep sense of community.
In 1952, Herman married the love of his life, Marjorie Sisco. Together, they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage until Marjorie's passing in 2020. Their bond was a cornerstone of Herman's life, and their adventures together were the stuff of cherished memories.
During World War II, Herman joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18, training as a paratrooper and sniper. On one of Herman's training jumps, he broke his leg, sparing him from the jump his unit made during the D-Day invasion. He was then sent to La Jolla, California, and later to Honolulu, preparing for the invasion of Japan. Herman often said it would have been a suicide mission as his landing craft was ill-equipped and unseaworthy. Fortunately, that mission never occurred as the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively ending the war. It was in California and Hawaii that Herman developed a lifelong love of the ocean, a passion that led to deep-sea fishing adventures on his own boats and memorable trips to Costa Rica, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Alaska, often accompanied by his brothers and nephews. He also enjoyed hunting and co-owned acreage in Shohola, Pennsylvania, where the Jeffer family gathered for hunting adventures and many family reunions over the years.
Following the war, Herman pursued higher education at Calvin College (1950), Duke University (MBA), and NYU Law School (JD), passing the New Jersey Bar in 1955. He spent decades practicing law with Jeffer, Hopkinson & Vogel, with his valued partners of over 50 years and loyal client relationships became a hallmark of his career. In 1961, he was admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court, successfully arguing a case on behalf of his client that changed certain U.S. banking laws still in force today. Herman also passed the Florida Bar in 1974 and founded the Florida firm, Jeffer and Cioffi, broadening his professional reach.
Herman was also an astute business leader and investor. He served as a director of countless public and private financial institutions and as counsel to financial, municipal, and not-for-profit entities. He founded numerous local and regional banks, invested in various startups in manufacturing and technology industries, and developed real estate projects. His experience and wise counsel served both legal clients and business associates well for more than 50 years.
Herman and Marjorie's passion for the slopes took them to Vermont and Colorado, Switzerland, the Dolomites in Italy, and other alpine destinations. They spent many weekends with friends and family at their Vermont residences until their late 80s, creating cherished memories.
Herman and Marjorie also found tremendous joy in golf, with memberships at clubs in Ridgewood and Paramus, New Jersey; Jupiter, and Hobe Sound, Florida; Manchester, Vermont; and St. Simons Island, Georgia. They traveled the world playing golf with the 200 Club also known as "The Society of Gentlemen Golfers". Herman was a devoted football fan, holding season tickets for the West Point Cadets and the New York Giants. His love of music, especially opera, was a defining part of his life, with his stereo often reverberating with operatic highlights, despite Marjorie's occasional protests to "turn that music down.".
A man of curiosity and generosity, Herman embraced life's opportunities with enthusiasm and exuberance. Whether experimenting with the latest technology, stargazing through a powerful telescope, or transforming an old school building into condos, he was always eager to try something new. An informed and passionate observer of current events, Herman was never shy about expressing his views, whether on politics, sports, or society. He also dedicated his time and resources to causes he believed in, including the Eastern Christian School Association, the Christian Health Center in northern New Jersey, and Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Herman's home was always open, a gathering place for friends and family. His determined nature, generosity, and "can-do" spirit endeared him to everyone who knew him. With his wit, wisdom, and readiness for meaningful conversations, he belied his age and remained a vibrant presence in the lives of many. Herman acted as a mentor and role model for many, especially his nieces and nephews, and will be deeply missed by all.
Herman is survived by his sister-in-law, Jeanette Jeffer, numerous nephews and nieces, and countless friends in New Jersey and Florida. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who enriched Herman's life and offered him support throughout his remarkable journey.
Herman will be remembered as a man of faith, family, and adventure—a life full-lived, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration.
Of all his accomplishments, Herman will perhaps be best remembered for his interest in and kindness to everyone he encountered, If you wish to do something in Herman's memory reach out to a child, grandchild, niece or a nephew, a friend or an acquaintance, and surprise them with a little extra attention and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Herman's name may also be made to Christian Health (https://www.christianhealthnj.org) 301 Sicomac Avenue, Wyckoff NJ 07481. Or The Foundation for Eastern Christian School, 50 Oakwood Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508.
