John J. Henri Sr., 82, of Ansonia, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday February 1, 2011, at the Bishop Wicke Health Care in Shelton. He is the loving husband of Helen Szafko Henri.
Mr. Henri was born in Bridgeport on June 2, 1928, son of the late John M. and Josephine O’Brien Henri. He was raised in Seaside Village in Bridgeport, married and moved to Stratford in 1955, and resided in Ansonia since 1962. He was employed as a tool designer for Avco Lycoming in Stratford, Norden Systems in Norwalk, and retired from Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, he honorably served during WW II aboard the USS Orion and was also stationed in Key West, FL. For his service, he received the American Campaign Medal and the WW II Victory Medal. John was a member of the American Legion Post 50 in Ansonia and was a graduate of the Colonial School of Tool Design. He was an accomplished self-taught craftsman of many trades who enthusiastically enjoyed trouble shooting, home improvement projects, and tackling challenges around the house.
In addition to his wife Helen, he is survived by 3 sons, John J. Henri Jr. (Eileen) of Derby, Patrick A. Henri (Cheryl) of Ansonia, Thomas K. Henri (Tracy) of Ansonia, a daughter, Lisabeth M. Hemingway (Shawn) of West Haven, 7 cherished grandchildren, Sean, Justin, Kevin, Ronald, and Ashlyn Henri and Nicholas and Tiffany Wheaton, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Gertrude Muldowney.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend his funeral on Saturday February 5, 2011, at 8:45 am from the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am at the Church of the Assumption in Ansonia. Interment with Navy military honors will follow in Mt. St. Peter’s Cemetery in Derby. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4 – 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society through the funeral home or the charity of one’s choice. To send an online condolence, please visit http://www.spinellifuneralhome.com.
