Henry Edward Pritchard

Henry Edward Paul Pritchard Henry Edward Paul Pritchard, 73, of Ruckersville, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 4, 2010, at his residence after a courageous three year battle with cancer.

Henry was born on June 29, 1936, in Northampton, Massachusetts, the son of the late Henry Edward Paul Pritchard and Hazel Smith Pritchard.

He is survived by loving wife of 50 years, Viola E. Pritchard; one son, Henry Edward Paul Pritchard III and his wife, Bethany, of Ruckersville, Virginia; three daughters, Bernyce Pritchard and her partner, Howard Skillington, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Stephanie Campbell and her husband, Brian, of Brightwaters, New York, Jennifer Linaberry and her husband, Kris, of Stanardsville, Virginia; six grandchildren, Sarah Smith and her partner, Shawn Morris, Billy Smith, Emma Linaberry, Kaylee Linaberry, Eddie Pritchard and Collin Campbell; and one great- grandchild, McKinleigh Morris.

Henry is also survived by one sister, Marion Gross and her husband, Edward, of Northampton, Massachusetts; two nieces, Martha McCormick and her husband, Mark, Sara Gasparrini and her husband, Gino; two nephews, Eddie Gross and his wife, Patty, Peter Gross and his wife, Jessica.

Henry proudly served his country in the United States Navy retiring with 20 years of service. Upon his retirement with the Navy, he was employed by Kollmorgen Optical as a machinist.

An avid stamp collector, Henry enjoyed many stamp collecting activities and served as past president of the Greenfield Philatelic Club.

He attended Ruckersville Baptist Church. Henry was a talented mechanic who would often offer assistance to stranded motorists. He will be remembered by family and friends as a masterful storyteller.

Henry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the Ruckersville Baptist Church with the Reverend Kyle Clements officiating. Interment will follow at a later date at Village Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. John McGovern and staff, the Martha Jefferson Hospital Oncology Departments and the Hospice of the Piedmont for all of their care and support of Dad during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Ryan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.