Obituary for Joseph Henn
Celebrating Joseph Gerard Henn and the rich, wonderful life he lived.
Joe was born in Ridgewood New York and lived most of his life in Middle Village Queens. Joe was the youngest of 6 children born to Frank and Josephine Henn and at the time of his birth some of his older brothers were already teenagers. As an adolescent, he frequently worked with some of his older brothers when they needed a helper and they generally kept a sharp eye out for our dad.
Joe served in WWll along with his four brothers all of whom served in the Army and the Army Air Corps. All were drafted into service except for Raymond, he enlisted. Tragically Raymond, who was a crew member on a B-17 Flying Fortress, was killed during a mission over Germany in March 1943.
When Joe returned home from the war, he met the love of his life, Joan, and they were married on October 27, 1951. Together they enjoyed a rich life with family and friends in Middle Village and as parishioners of St. Margaret Church. Both Joe and Joan volunteered their service to church and community. Joe worked for many years with the parish bingo and various golf outings for charity. He also sang with the choir and ushered at Mass when needed. He was a long time member of the local chapter of Catholic War Veterans and along with Joan served meals at a local soup kitchen. In addition, he also traveled to various locations around the country with Habitat for Humanity where, together with Joan and Kathy, he volunteered for weeks at a time building homes for those less fortunate.
Joe retired after working for United Airlines for over thirty years. Although he received special perks like greatly reduced airfare, he was never an avid flier. Like many fathers of the era, he held many jobs and sometimes more than one, to support his growing family.
Joe had several hobbies too. He enjoyed working in the garden, coin and stamp collecting, fixing anything around the house and making various projects from wood. Later on he enjoyed golfing with friends and with his son Joseph and grandson Tim.
As the family expanded, Joe and Joan were always ready to help out in any way and always enjoyed participating in the activities of their children and grandchildren. Included in this fun was the yearly vacation to Long Beach Island where we shared beach time with family and friends and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Joe lived his life with a strong moral compass and always led by example. We are extremely grateful for the time he spent with us and the stories he shared.
Joe is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan.
Loving father to Kathleen Henn, Maureen (Allen) Crowley, Joseph (Marie) Henn, Christine (Bart) Sausa. Loving Poppy to Clare, Tim, Meaghan, Colleen, Christopher and Anthony. Loving great grand-pa to Ellie, Maggie and Mauve.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joseph to Smile Train.
Joe was born in Ridgewood New York and lived most of his life in Middle Village Queens. Joe was the youngest of 6 children born to Frank and Josephine Henn and at the time of his birth some of his older brothers were already teenagers. As an adolescent, he frequently worked with some of his older brothers when they needed a helper and they generally kept a sharp eye out for our dad.
Joe served in WWll along with his four brothers all of whom served in the Army and the Army Air Corps. All were drafted into service except for Raymond, he enlisted. Tragically Raymond, who was a crew member on a B-17 Flying Fortress, was killed during a mission over Germany in March 1943.
When Joe returned home from the war, he met the love of his life, Joan, and they were married on October 27, 1951. Together they enjoyed a rich life with family and friends in Middle Village and as parishioners of St. Margaret Church. Both Joe and Joan volunteered their service to church and community. Joe worked for many years with the parish bingo and various golf outings for charity. He also sang with the choir and ushered at Mass when needed. He was a long time member of the local chapter of Catholic War Veterans and along with Joan served meals at a local soup kitchen. In addition, he also traveled to various locations around the country with Habitat for Humanity where, together with Joan and Kathy, he volunteered for weeks at a time building homes for those less fortunate.
Joe retired after working for United Airlines for over thirty years. Although he received special perks like greatly reduced airfare, he was never an avid flier. Like many fathers of the era, he held many jobs and sometimes more than one, to support his growing family.
Joe had several hobbies too. He enjoyed working in the garden, coin and stamp collecting, fixing anything around the house and making various projects from wood. Later on he enjoyed golfing with friends and with his son Joseph and grandson Tim.
As the family expanded, Joe and Joan were always ready to help out in any way and always enjoyed participating in the activities of their children and grandchildren. Included in this fun was the yearly vacation to Long Beach Island where we shared beach time with family and friends and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Joe lived his life with a strong moral compass and always led by example. We are extremely grateful for the time he spent with us and the stories he shared.
Joe is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan.
Loving father to Kathleen Henn, Maureen (Allen) Crowley, Joseph (Marie) Henn, Christine (Bart) Sausa. Loving Poppy to Clare, Tim, Meaghan, Colleen, Christopher and Anthony. Loving great grand-pa to Ellie, Maggie and Mauve.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joseph to Smile Train.