Herman C. Simonse passed away peacefully at home in Warren, NJ. at the age of 95.

Herman was born on April 24, 1931, in Neshanic Station, near Hillsborough, New Jersey, to John and Henrica Simonse, both of whom had emigrated from Holland. He grew up on the family farm, where he developed the strong work ethic and values that would guide him throughout his life. When he was not tending to farm chores, Herman enjoyed working with livestock and judging dairy cattle at local fairs.

A sports lover from an early age, Herman played running back for his high school football team and later for an intramural team while attending Rutgers University.  During his college years, he was called to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving from 1952 to 1954. Stationed in Hawaii, he trained new recruits before returning to Rutgers following his military service.

At Rutgers, while attending classes and the various sports and other activities during the day Herman worked the night shift at the Ford assembly plant in Metuchen to pay his way through college.  He distinguished himself as President of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a minor in City and Regional Planning. It was also at Rutgers that he met the love of his life, Carole June Fine, a student at nearby Douglass College. Together they shared 62 years of marriage filled with love, friendship, and devotion until Carole's passing in 2019.

Following graduation, Herman began his career with the Morris County Planning Board. Through hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks to become Director of the Morris County Department of Industrial Development in 1962. In 1968, he was named Executive Director of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. While continuing his public service career, Herman earned his MBA in Business Administration, cum laude, from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1969.

From 1970 to 1974, Herman served as Director of the New Jersey Division of Economic Development, helping to shape economic growth throughout the state. He also shared his expertise as an Associate Professor of Economics in the Continuing Education Division of County College of Morris, where he taught business and economics courses part time from 1971 to 1986.

After an accomplished career in the public sector, Herman transitioned to private industry, joining Bellemead Development Corporation as Assistant Vice President in 1974. He ultimately rose to Executive Vice President in 1988. Following Bellemead's acquisition by Chubb Insurance, he continued his successful career there until reaching mandatory retirement age at 65. Retirement, however, was not in Herman's nature. He continued consulting for Chubb and other development firms for the next twenty years. Even after ACE Limited acquired Chubb, Herman remained professionally active, finally retiring in 2016 at the remarkable age of 85.

Throughout his career, Herman was actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, the Industrial and Office Real Estate Brokers Association of the Metropolitan Area, the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (where he served as President of the New Jersey Chapter), the New Jersey Industrial Development Association, the Northeastern Industrial Developers Association (Past President), the Office Developers Association (Vice President), and the Society for Environmental and Economic Development.

Herman's commitment to public service extended well beyond his professional career. He served as Chairman and Board Member of the New Jersey Alliance for Action; Commissioner of the Somerset County Park Commission; Board Member of the New Community Foundation; Board Member of the Midland School Foundation; member of the Governor's Port Authority Advisory Committee; Trustee of Somerset County College; and Board Member of the Somerset County College Foundation.

An accomplished leader and philanthropist, Herman was well known in the industry for his strong work ethic, integrity, fair, and honest business dealings.  He received numerous honors throughout his career. These included being named Man of the Year by the Northeastern Industrial Developers Association in 1980; receiving the Eagle Award from the New Jersey Alliance for Action in 1984; the Humanitarian Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, New Jersey Region, in 1987; and the Individual Achievement Award from the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks in 1989 for his contributions to both the industry and the community.

In 1991, Herman and several business associates founded Somerset Valley Bank. Under their leadership, the community bank grew successfully before being acquired by Fulton Financial Corporation in 2005. Many of the original branches continue to serve customers today as part of Fulton Bank network.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Herman was best known by those who loved him for his warmth, dry sense of humor, and enthusiasm for life. He was devoted to his family and many friends, maintaining close relationships, including lunch outings almost every Friday with his dear friends Richard and Bill until just prior to his passing.  Herman was a life member of the Elks, having been a member for over 60 years.  He was an avid gardener, golfer, and lifelong sports fan. A devoted supporter of Rutgers athletics, he also followed the New York Yankees, Giants, Knicks, Rangers, Cosmos, and even the New Jersey Nets before their move to Brooklyn. Among his favorite memories were playing horseshoes at picnics with friends who each hosted the celebration for a different holiday at Lake Parsippany and the years when Chubb maintained a luxury suite at the Meadowlands, where he enjoyed Giants, Cosmos, and NCAA games with family, friends, and colleagues.

Herman and Carole embodied the values of the Silent Generation, their formative years during the tough times of the Great Depression and World War II.  Though they never sought recognition, they devoted themselves to civic engagement, charitable work, and service to their community. Among the causes closest to their hearts was The Arc of New Jersey, the state's largest organization serving and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In recognition of their 27 years of dedicated support, Herman and Carole were honored as The Arc Angels of 2016, the organization's highest distinction.

Herman was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carole; his grandson, Jake; and brothers, John and Casey.

He is survived by his brother, Arnold, and sister-in-law, Kathy, of Silver Spring, Maryland; his sons, John Simonse, of Danville, California; and  Todd Simonse, and daughter-in-law, Kelly, of Walnut Creek, California. He is also survived by five grandchildren—Amanda (Christian), Kendal, Kyle, Lauren, and Cole—and four great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Ansley, Emory, and Robin.

A brief service will be held at 1 pm, on August 14, 2026, at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Arc Foundation of New Jersey.