Reverend John Francis Henry left us to rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 30, 2024. A proud Bronx NY native, John lived a life of impact filled with the love of his large family and countless friends.

          An avid golfer, photographer, camera collector, postcard receiver, and fisherman, John was sure to draw on his Irish heritage and NY upbringing in the many meaningful sermons he delivered in churches from Maine to Florida. He touched the hearts, minds and spirits of thousands of congregants.

          A graduate of Iona College NY, John embarked on a career in insurance underwriting that took him and his family to destinations in CT, NY, MN and CA. However, John realized that his true calling was to be a servant of God. He earned his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA and found joy in growing and nurturing congregations in the Presbyterian churches that he pastored from New England to Florida. His gentle and often humorous approach to sharing his deep biblical insight was reflected in the nodding heads and laughter of so many. John especially relished the time he spent pastoring the little children, who would surround him while he taught. He was full time pastor of First Presbyterian in East Hanover, NJ, Chaplain of the Hanover Fire Department, and a frequently relied-upon guest pastor, Bible study leader and choir participant in churches from Kennebunkport, ME to Punta Gorda FL, Williamsburg VA, Florence SC and beyond. Raising his wonderful voice in song, John would belt it out from the pulpit, choir stall, church bench, car seat or at home. He enriched our lives with the music of hymns, bands of the 40s-70s, and the great classical works. He had the honor of officiating weddings for family and friends, and counseled many throughout his pastoral career.

          John took great joy in reading and was an avid runner, angler, golfer, cycler and stickball player. He cheered on his Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Giants, but most loved watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren excel In music, baseball, football, softball, swimming, track and field, hockey, golf and more. He tied intricate fly fishing knots and sank many a putt alongside family, friends and colleagues. And he loved his little white dogs!

          John hosted gatherings alongside his wife Pamela in their homes across the nation. He was fluent in Spanish, was a great cook, loved BBQ, Pam’s coffee cake, Phyllis’ stollen and Christmas pudding with lots of sauce, his ol’ Crown Vic, and appreciated a wee dram and a good pizza.

          John was predeceased by siblings Marian, Kay, Eileen and his beloved wife Pamela Gene Gaddas Henry. He leaves his beloved children Jim, John, Terri, Eric, Kyle, Lara, Keira, Jessica and their families, Brozin Jim, his first wife Diane, and countless friends and extended family members who mourn the loss of a sweet, brilliant, generous man who truly enriched their lives. Slainte!

          In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of his grand-daughter Lilla Michael.

          Funeral service will be held Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at 1 pm, McCullough Chapel at The Florence Presbyterian Community, 2350 W. Lucas Street, Florence, SC.  Visitation will be held just prior at the Chapel, noon-1:00.  Light reception to follow.  Arrangements by Waters-Powell Funeral Home, Florence SC.

          Family and friends may call from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Saturday October 5, 2024 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. His Graveside Service will follow at 3:30 in Oakhill Cemetery in Newburyport, where he will be laid to rest.

Job 19: 23-27 NASB

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God