Harry Robert Henry's Obituary
Harry Robert Henry, age 80, of Federalsburg, MD passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at The Pines in Easton, Maryland.
Born on November 22, 1928 in Parnassus, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Harry Herman Henry and Nora Goldie Mikesell Henry.
Mr. Henry grew up on the Shore and lived in Talbot County for a number of years. For the past eight years, he has resided in Federalsburg. He graduated from St. Michaels High School class of 1945.
Mr. Henry served his country in the United States Navy Submarine Service. In his early Navy Career he served as an Underwater Swim Instructor, and part of the UDT (precursor to the Navy Seals) in Groton, CT. A bit past the middle of his Navy Career he served on the USS Redfin during its search for the lost Thresher in 1963. Towards the end of his military career, he recruited many young men into the U.S. Navy, at his post in Annapolis, MD. After his departure from the military, he worked within Government Service, where one of his jobs involved ensuring the smooth sailing of “Fat Albert” (the blimp which serveilled Cuba and spotted drug runners). Later in his Government Service career he invented/developed a specialized piston (or valve) for the high pressure air system used in modern day submarines, and was bestowed/endowed with the title/nickname of “Mr. Trident”. During his Navy career, he received the Good Conduct Medal (Six Awards), WW II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (Europe), the National Defense Service Medal (Bronze Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal (2 Bronze Stars), Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, He served on the following submarines: USS Dace (SS-247), USS Cutlass (SS-478), USS Sea Lion (AP (SS) 315) and the USS Redfin (SS-272). He was honorably discharged as Chief Engineman after twenty-five faithful years of service to the United States Navy.
Mr. Henry was a member of the American Legion Post #6 in Seaford, DE and the V.F.W. Post #5246 in Federalsburg, MD. He enjoyed boating, attending submarine veteran reunions, and anything to do with submarines. He also enjoyed working on cars and anything with a motor.
He is survived by two daughters, Dorothy St. Downes and her husband Hal Toomer of Central, PA, Donna Tello of Poway, CA, two sons, Harry Herman Henry and his wife, Kim Mitchell-Henry of Myakka City, FL, Bud Henry and his wife, Sheri Henry of Sarasota, FL, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one on the way. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a sister, Martha Dyott and a son-in-law, Dennis Thompson. He derived much pride and joy from the fact both of his sons were submariners, and his daughter, Dorothy, served in the Navy, as did his grandson, Jesse.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9th, 2009 at Framptom Funeral Home, 216 North Main Street, Federalsburg, MD, where the family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Burial will follow with Military Honors at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, MD.
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