Henry William Despard Jr, 86, of Daytona Beach, FL entered his heavenly home on November 13, 2018. He was born September 8, 1932 in Hartford, CT to Henry W Despard Sr. and Lucille Dustin Despard.
He raised his family in Windsor Locks, CT and made his home in Florida since 1990.
Henry was a graduate of Simsbury High School in 1950. He went on to serve in the US Army with the 2nd Infantry Division in the Korean War attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his time in the military, he worked as an Engineering Technician with the Metropolitan District in Hartford, CT for 32 years, retiring in 1989.
Henry married the love of his life, Corrinne, on November 12, 1955. He passed away one day after their 63rd wedding anniversary and just 9 days after his beloved left this world, proof that their love was steadfast and timeless. Their life together was one that told of hard work, dedication, and a selfless unwavering love.
Henry was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes church and a man of great faith. He was also a man of many talents.
He loved to build vintage cars and was even featured in multiple magazines with his vehicles. He enjoyed woodworking and doing handiwork around their condominium complex. He was an avid reader and especially loved watching his game shows with Corrinne each night.
One of his great passions was genealogy, making multiple trips to Ireland to learn about his family’s history. Always proud of his Irish heritage, Henry obtained dual citizenship and received his Irish passport in 2005.
He was a shining example of what it means to be a family man and was proud of the legacy of faith, love and family he built with Corrinne.
He is pre deceased by his wife, Corrinne and leaves behind 5 children and their spouses: Daniel and Lynda Despard, Karen and Jerry Blais, Wayne and Sandy Despard, Joanne and Joel Breton and Stephen and Karen Despard. 12 Grandchildren: Laura, Ernest, Shannon, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Curtis, Brendan, Audrey, Travis, Jason, Kayla and Addison. Also 10 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Elizabeth Cooper for her excellent care and devoted attention to all of Hank’s needs for the past 1 1⁄2 years and Kindred Hospice for their attentive end of life care.
A Memorial service will be held Dec 1 at 11:00 am at River Valley Fellowship Church, 2 North Rd., East Windsor, CT
Condolences to the family may be shared at www.dalewoodwardfuneralhomes.com.