Mr. Val A Henry
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to The Val A Henry Legacy Scholarship Fund.
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Val's obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Val Arturo Henry, who departed this life peacefully on June 30, 2025.
Born in Colón, Panama, in April 1952, Val emigrated to the United States in December 1954 with his parents, Earl and Esther Henry. As the eldest child, he naturally became a guiding force in his family — a role he embraced with grace, love, and unwavering responsibility. He was deeply admired by his siblings and became the family's rock, a steady hand and warm heart across generations.
After the passing of his father, Val stepped into the role of patriarch with strength and humility. His love and leadership left an enduring mark on his siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His legacy of quiet strength and faithful guidance lives on in each of them.
Val was the unwavering pillar of his family and community — a father, brother, husband, and friend whose presence offered comfort, wisdom, and belonging. He extended family beyond bloodlines, offering unconditional love to all who entered his life. Whether through sage advice, a listening ear, or a calming spirit, Val was always there when it mattered most.
An alumnus of FDR High School in Brooklyn (Class of 1969), Val continued his education at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1973. He later earned his law degree from Fordham Law School in New York City in 1983.
Val was a proud and faithful member of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. His deep and steady faith shaped his actions and inspired those who knew him.
In his free time, Val remained devoted to his community, his church, and, most importantly, his family. He often said his greatest accomplishments were being a loving husband and father — roles he fulfilled with unmatched devotion.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Henry, with whom he shared a beautiful life since their marriage in 1975. He also leaves behind his cherished children, Nia Henry-Luke and Kairi Henry, whom he loved deeply and raised with care and pride.
Val is also survived by his siblings: Lydia Henry Manrow, Delano Henry, and Lilas Perez; and by his treasured grandchildren: Ian Henry, Aya Henry, and Cairo Luke — who brought him immeasurable joy. He adored their parents, Shani Clingman-Henry and Shakeel Luke, as members of the extended family he loved so fully.
He was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Esther Henry, his brother Neal Henry, and his beloved aunt Gwendolyn “Queenie” Crawford, who was a second mother to him — his fierce protector and lifelong champion.
Despite the losses he endured, Val remained resilient, anchored by love and lifted by family.
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In Honor of His Legacy
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Val A Henry Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will provide children with books, backpacks, and essential school supplies, reflecting Val’s unwavering belief in the power of education.
To donate, please visit:
https://vahlegacyfund.org/don…
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Val's enduring spirit, kind heart, and legacy of love will live on in every life he touched. He will be deeply missed — and never forgotten.
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