JORDANVILLE- Herman Siewert Tomforde, age 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2014 in his home. He had the comfort of his loving family by his side. ?He was born on July 16, 1943, in Bellmore, NY, son of the late Herman and Louise Carstens Tomforde. He was raised in Huntington, NY and was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy in Valley Forge, PA. He furthered his education at New York City Community College. ?On November 29, 1964, he was united in marriage to Sophia Kohlhoff in Newark, NJ. Herman was a residential builder throughout his life. He was the President and CEO of Tomforde Contracting Corp. in Medford, NY until he retired in 2006 to Jordanville, NY. ?Mr. Tomforde was a 35 year member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in Long Island, NY and was an active member of the Utica German Menachor. In his leisure time, he enjoyed dancing waltzes and polkas with his favorite dance partner and best friend Sophia. He enjoyed his retirement home which he completely renovated. ?To all who knew him, he was a kind, caring, and gentle man, who was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends, especially his cherished grandchildren and great-grand children. He will be greatly missed. ?Surviving him is his devoted wife of 50 years, Sophia, his son, Carl Herman Tomforde and his wife Jayne of Woolwich Township, NJ, his daughter Christine and her husband John Hulse of East Moriches, NY, and his daughter Kathleen and her husband Chad Hess of Jordanville, NY. He is also survived by his sister Betty Simon and her husband Jurgen of East Northport, NY, his brother Carl Tomforde and wife Julie of Princeton, MA, and his brother Robert Tomforde of South Hampton, NY. Mr. Tomforde also leaves behind 12 wonderful grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. ?Calling hours for Mr. Tomforde will be on Wednesday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs, NY. Funeral service will be on Thursday at 11am in the funeral home. The Reverend Scott Hocking of the Jordanville Federated Church will officiate. Interment will follow in Highland Rural Cemetery, Jordanville, NY. ?Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Calling Hours J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Wednesday, October 15, 2014 02:00 AM - 04:00 AM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439 Calling Hours J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Wednesday, October 15, 2014 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439 Funeral Service J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Thursday, October 16, 2014 11:00 AM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439