Celebrating the life of
Herman Joseph Methfessel
January 06, 1929 - August 21, 2014
A fighter pilot known for his quick wit and sense of humor; recipient of two Bronze Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross
Herman Joseph Methfessel of Savannah, Georgia, known for his quick wit and sense of humor, died peacefully on August 21, 2014. He was 85.
Herman was born in New York on January 6, 1929, the son of Nancy MacDonald Methfessel and Herman Joseph Methfessel. Herman joined the United States Air Force after graduating from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY. He was a distinguished fighter pilot in the Korean and Vietnam wars, helped develop the first computerized air defense missile system, served as a staff officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and retired from the Air Force in 1972 with numerous Air Medals, two Bronze Stars, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Herman started a second career in real estate in Northern Virginia and became the general manager of Long and Foster Real Estate. Herm was instrumental in making it the largest independent real estate company in the mid-Atlantic states. He was extremely proud of being awarded the Realtor’s Ethics Award and was elected to the Board of Realtors Hall of Fame before his retirement in 1991.
He and his wife, Joan, moved to The Landings in Savannah, Georgia in 1993. Herm enjoyed his retirement traveling with friends, improving his golf score, and volunteering with the Savannah Local Outreach Volunteer Educators (L.O.V.E.) program. He loved Monday night poker games, the Washington Redskins, outsmarting the stock market, and most of all, he loved his wife and best friend Joan and his large, boisterous family, who made him immensely proud.
He is survived by his wife, Joan McGarry Methfessel, two brothers and their families, seven children, 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and friends too numerous to list. He was preceded in death by two wives, Gerd Eide of New York and Doris Glazier of Baltimore, MD.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 30 at St. James Catholic Church. Interment will be scheduled at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416 or Savannah Local Outreach Volunteer Educators, 54 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411.
Herm was a dear friend back in the old days of the 49thFIS in Maine. The world will be sadder place without him.
- Bob Craine, Portland, ME
Dear Nancy and Family - We are so sorry for the loss. Our memories of a great neighbor will stay with us. With our deepest sympathy’s.
- The Chisholm Family, Fairfax Station, VA
Hello Joan, You may remember me as Biss Smith...a LONG time ago. I saw the notice of Herm's death and services in the Post today. I know you had a good life together and you will miss him terribly. Keep in mind that he will always be looking after you, just from a different place. With sincere condolences....Liz
- Elizabeth Pendleton, Bristow, VA
Joan: I am so sorry for your loss. Wish I could have attended the service, but hoping we can "do" lunch when I return. Hugs & prayers, Janet
- Janet Kuhn, Savannah, GA
So saddened and just thinking of the humor he had when ever he came to a Long and Foster company meeting. Just a delightful man!!
- Kathy Grover, Dumfries, VA
He was kind and funny, and I've thought of him often since he retired. He was adored by all at Long & Foster. I'm very sad that he's gone.
- Ellen Young, Alexandria, VA
We are saddened and thinking of you and your beautiful family. Much love...j&m
- mike&joanie covell, flat rock, nc
We feel so blessed to have known Herm. He shared his joy of life and love of people with everyone. He made the world a happier place; and we are so saddened to learn of your loss. Joan, know you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Bob and Shar Trenkamp
- Bob and Shar Trenkamp, Savannah, GA
Dear Joan and Family, We send messages of love and prayers during this time of grief. We feel fortunate to have met Herm and enjoyed his company. Joan, stay connected to your Navy family. God Bless You
- Hugo and Jackie Marxer, Marietta, Georgia
You have lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Many of us have lost a wonderful friend who shall never be forgotten. I am sure when the angels saw Herman coming the Archangel Michael welcomed him with open arms. I am very sorry for the family's loss but I am sure he is entertaining all in another place and someday we shall see him again. Cheers Herman! Our prayers are with you and your family. Maureen O'Hara
- Your Name or Family Name, East Hampton, NY 1197, NY
You have lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Many of us have lost a wonderful friend who shall never be forgotten. I am sure when the angels saw Herman coming the Archangel Michael welcomed him with open arms. I am very sorry for the family's loss but I am sure he is entertaining all in another place and someday we shall see him again. Cheers Herman! Our prayers are with you and your family. Maureen O'Hara
- Your Name or Family Name, East Hampton, NY 1197, NY
You have lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Many of us have lost a wonderful friend who shall never be forgotten. I am sure when the angels saw Herman coming the Archangel Michael welcomed him with open arms. I am very sorry for the family's loss but I am sure he is entertaining all in another place and someday we shall see him again. Cheers Herman! Our prayers are with you and your family. Maureen O'Hara
- Your Name or Family Name, East Hampton, NY 1197, NY
We loved seeing Herm at 7:30 Mass at St. James with wonderful smile and quit wit. So sorry for your loss of wonderful man. Our prayers are with you both. Hank and Suzanne
- Henry & Suzanne Croci, Savannah, Ga
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort in the fact that sickness and death will soon be a thing of the past as promised at Revelation 21:4.
- Mrs. Khan, Snellville, GA
Hermie, We missed your attendance to our Thursday night meetings, especially your generous contributions you usually made. Your memory will live on with our old participants...as you brought smiles to most of our faces. YOU are NOT forgotten!!!!
- Ann & Norman Crutchfield, Fairfax, Va.
Dear Nancy and Family - We are so sorry for the loss of your father. From the stories I have heard, I know he was an amazing father, husband, grandfather and friend. I know he will be missed but also believe the will continue to watch over you and fill your heart with love.
- Mike, Terri and Megan Barnett, South Riding, VA
We are still in North Carolina and I am so sorry I will be unable to attend the services. My heart and prayers are with you. Nancy
- Nancy Dancu, Savannah, Ga
Dear Karen and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was obviously a wonderful man who loved and cherished his family. I wish I had been privileged with the great honor of knowing your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.
- Susan Boyd Hudson, Boones Mill, Virginia
Karen, we didn't know your father personally but through your stories at various gatherings, we know how much he influenced you and those who knew him. Our sincere condolences.
- Jim & Sherrie Stille, Boulder, CO
I will always remember how much joy and laughter Herman brought to Nancy's home during his visits. He so obviously loved spending time with family and friends. Rest in peace. You will be greatly missed by many.
- Darci Campbell Niestroy, Arlington, VA
I have great memories of hanging out at the Methfessel house with Nancy. The love and pride he had for his family was evident. He was always kind and welcoming. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
- Marta Henry Bradley, Laurel, MD
I loved Herman the very first time we met. He has ALWAYS been a kind and caring father, grandfather, and awesome friend. He will have a permanent place in my heart. He will remain one of my all time favorite people. Rest in peace sweets! I love you mom and Jeff and I are only a phone call away.
- Sherry McGarry, Wesley Chapel, FL
Herm was a dear friend back in the old days of the 49thFIS in Maine. The world will be sadder place without him.
- Bob Craine, Portland, ME
Dear Nancy and Family - We are so sorry for the loss. Our memories of a great neighbor will stay with us. With our deepest sympathy’s.
- The Chisholm Family, Fairfax Station, VA
Hello Joan, You may remember me as Biss Smith...a LONG time ago. I saw the notice of Herm's death and services in the Post today. I know you had a good life together and you will miss him terribly. Keep in mind that he will always be looking after you, just from a different place. With sincere condolences....Liz
- Elizabeth Pendleton, Bristow, VA
Joan: I am so sorry for your loss. Wish I could have attended the service, but hoping we can "do" lunch when I return. Hugs & prayers, Janet
- Janet Kuhn, Savannah, GA
So saddened and just thinking of the humor he had when ever he came to a Long and Foster company meeting. Just a delightful man!!
- Kathy Grover, Dumfries, VA
He was kind and funny, and I've thought of him often since he retired. He was adored by all at Long & Foster. I'm very sad that he's gone.
- Ellen Young, Alexandria, VA
We are saddened and thinking of you and your beautiful family. Much love...j&m
- mike&joanie covell, flat rock, nc
We feel so blessed to have known Herm. He shared his joy of life and love of people with everyone. He made the world a happier place; and we are so saddened to learn of your loss. Joan, know you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Bob and Shar Trenkamp
- Bob and Shar Trenkamp, Savannah, GA
Dear Joan and Family, We send messages of love and prayers during this time of grief. We feel fortunate to have met Herm and enjoyed his company. Joan, stay connected to your Navy family. God Bless You
- Hugo and Jackie Marxer, Marietta, Georgia
You have lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Many of us have lost a wonderful friend who shall never be forgotten. I am sure when the angels saw Herman coming the Archangel Michael welcomed him with open arms. I am very sorry for the family's loss but I am sure he is entertaining all in another place and someday we shall see him again. Cheers Herman! Our prayers are with you and your family. Maureen O'Hara
- Your Name or Family Name, East Hampton, NY 1197, NY
You have lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Many of us have lost a wonderful friend who shall never be forgotten. I am sure when the angels saw Herman coming the Archangel Michael welcomed him with open arms. I am very sorry for the family's loss but I am sure he is entertaining all in another place and someday we shall see him again. Cheers Herman! Our prayers are with you and your family. Maureen O'Hara
- Your Name or Family Name, East Hampton, NY 1197, NY
You have lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Many of us have lost a wonderful friend who shall never be forgotten. I am sure when the angels saw Herman coming the Archangel Michael welcomed him with open arms. I am very sorry for the family's loss but I am sure he is entertaining all in another place and someday we shall see him again. Cheers Herman! Our prayers are with you and your family. Maureen O'Hara
- Your Name or Family Name, East Hampton, NY 1197, NY
We loved seeing Herm at 7:30 Mass at St. James with wonderful smile and quit wit. So sorry for your loss of wonderful man. Our prayers are with you both. Hank and Suzanne
- Henry & Suzanne Croci, Savannah, Ga
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort in the fact that sickness and death will soon be a thing of the past as promised at Revelation 21:4.
- Mrs. Khan, Snellville, GA
Hermie, We missed your attendance to our Thursday night meetings, especially your generous contributions you usually made. Your memory will live on with our old participants...as you brought smiles to most of our faces. YOU are NOT forgotten!!!!
- Ann & Norman Crutchfield, Fairfax, Va.
Dear Nancy and Family - We are so sorry for the loss of your father. From the stories I have heard, I know he was an amazing father, husband, grandfather and friend. I know he will be missed but also believe the will continue to watch over you and fill your heart with love.
- Mike, Terri and Megan Barnett, South Riding, VA
We are still in North Carolina and I am so sorry I will be unable to attend the services. My heart and prayers are with you. Nancy
- Nancy Dancu, Savannah, Ga
Dear Karen and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was obviously a wonderful man who loved and cherished his family. I wish I had been privileged with the great honor of knowing your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.
- Susan Boyd Hudson, Boones Mill, Virginia
Karen, we didn't know your father personally but through your stories at various gatherings, we know how much he influenced you and those who knew him. Our sincere condolences.
- Jim & Sherrie Stille, Boulder, CO
I will always remember how much joy and laughter Herman brought to Nancy's home during his visits. He so obviously loved spending time with family and friends. Rest in peace. You will be greatly missed by many.
- Darci Campbell Niestroy, Arlington, VA
I have great memories of hanging out at the Methfessel house with Nancy. The love and pride he had for his family was evident. He was always kind and welcoming. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
- Marta Henry Bradley, Laurel, MD
I loved Herman the very first time we met. He has ALWAYS been a kind and caring father, grandfather, and awesome friend. He will have a permanent place in my heart. He will remain one of my all time favorite people. Rest in peace sweets! I love you mom and Jeff and I are only a phone call away.
- Sherry McGarry, Wesley Chapel, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
