Benjamin Hertzendorf

Benjamin (Ben) Hertzendorf, age 84 of Glenville, New York and San Diego, California passed away on Saturday February 11, 2023.

He was born on May 19, 1938 in New York, NY, to Sadie (Dorf) and Charles Hertzendorf.

He served in the US Navy from 1955-1959 as a Communications Technician in the Philippines.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from The City University of New York in 1963, and received his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in 1968.

Ben resided in the Scotia-Glenville community for 50 years, where he coached Little League, was an active member and volunteer at Congregation Agudat Achim in Schenectady NY, and dedicated volunteer at Thomas Corner’s Fire Department for 49 years. At TCFD he was a firefighter and dedicated educator and instructor in firefighting and medical training. He held many roles and offices including 2 terms as Chief and many years as Commissioner. He served as Chaplain and had an appointment to the NY State Board of Fire Commissioners.

In 2022 Ben moved to San Diego California, where he quickly created community at his residence at Seacrest, volunteering in the gift shop and spreading light and friendship to those around him.

Ben loved to travel, having visited over 60 countries with his beloved wife, Adriane. He was active, and enjoyed hiking and cross-country skiing. He loved history, people and conversation, and would astound family and friends with his knowledge of facts and dates and his ability to synthesize information and draw original conclusions.

Most importantly, Ben was caring, thoughtful and kind, and bestowed great love to family and friends.

He was predeceased by Adriane Hertzendorf (z”l) on 12/13/2021, his beloved partner of 59 years.

He is survived by her daughter Dr. Laurie Greenberg & Michael Winer, son retired U.S. Army Colonel Michael Hertzendorf & Jennifer Murray, granddaughter Elisa Greenberg & Sean Themea, granddaughter Danya Greenberg & Benjamin Rosenfeld. He is survived by siblings Gladys (Hertzendorf) & Joel Nadel, Ann (& Irving Hertzendorf) & Andrew Granett, and nieces and nephews Ilene & Scott Raynes, William and Jennifer Nadel, Neil and Ilana Nadel, Avram & Brandy Granett, and Chava Granett. He is also survived by grandchildren Caitlin, Cassidy, Cade and Cameron Hertzendorf.

Services will be held at the Agudat Achim Cemetery Schermerhorn Street in Rotterdam, NY Wednesday 2/15 at 2:45 pm.

Donations in honor of Ben may be made to the Thomas Corner’s Fire Department or Congregation Agudat Achim.

He will be remembered with deep love, gratitude, and inspiration.  

The funeral will be live streamed and can be viewed by clicking the following link: Hertzendorf Funeral Service

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