South Deerfield, MA – Herman G. “Sonny” Herzig, Jr., 95, of South Deerfield, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on January 17, 1931, he was the son of the late Herman G. Herzig, Sr. and Raigh M. (Caron) Herzig. Sonny was raised in Colrain, Massachusetts, where he attended local schools and began working at Dennison’s Lumber Mill after school at a young age, learning the value of hard work early in life.
After leaving school, Sonny proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for three years, and one year as an ammunition supplier. Following his military service, he worked at Wells Tool and later became a boiler operator for Kendall Mills in Colrain, where he remained for many years.
Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol B. (Brothers) Herzig, who passed away on May 8, 2019. Together they shared a life filled with adventure and companionship. They especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycling, riding ATVs and snowmobiles on Catamount, and spending time outdoors. In retirement, Sonny and Carol spent twenty winters in Winter Haven, Florida. Sonny enjoyed golfing there, though family members often joked that he played mostly to make Carol happy.
A man of many interests, Sonny had a special fondness for old Model T automobiles and proudly owned one for a time. He loved working on old car engines and lawn mowers and was a familiar face at local car shows. His mechanical skills, quiet humor, and willingness to lend a hand will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
He was also predeceased by his brother, Edward Herzig, and his sister, Judy (Herzig) Tetreault. Sonny is survived by his sister, Betty Ann (Herzig) Cormier of Virginia; his two daughters, Susan C. (Herzig) James and Karen R. Herzig, both of South Deerfield; and his cherished grandchildren, Ronda (Churchill) Goshea and her husband, Chris Baranowski, of South Deerfield, Brandon Lively of Greenfield, and Judy Lowry of Turners Falls. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren; Miranda (Noyes) Saladino and her husband Joseph Saladino of Whately, MA, Deven Goshea and his wife Rocio Campos of Orange, MA, Nicholas, Jayson and Johnathan Scribner of Greenfield, MA, and step great-grandchildren Cody, Connor and Cali Grace Baranowski, as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Sonny’s family will remember him as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, skilled mechanic, and a man who found joy in simple pleasures and time spent with those he loved. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no calling hours.
A graveside service with Military Honors will take place Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 am, at West Branch Cemetery in Colrain.
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