Charles F. Henderson II

Charles F. Henderson, II

AGE: 88 • Formerly of Rumson

Charles F. Henderson, II, passed away in Palm Beach Florida on May 29, 2013. He was 88 years old and had been battling several illnesses when his heart finally surrendered. The oldest of seven children, Charles was born on December 15, 1924 in South Orange NJ where he spent most of his childhood. He spent summers in Colts Neck, formerly known as Scobeyville, on his families' farm. He often shared stories about his fond memories of raising animals and growing vegetables, activities that fueled his lifelong passion for gardening. The family later moved their summer residence to Cricket Lodge in Elberon. Charles served his nation for more than three years in the Navy during WWII, much of that time being spent in the South Pacific. His tour of duty interrupted his college education that started at Holy Cross and included time at Princeton, Columbia and graduation from Seton Hall University. With his wife of 63 years, Mary Louise, Charles raised his family of five sons and one daughter in Rumson where he was involved extensively with the community. He was a founding member of Navesink Country Club as well as Christian Brothers Academy and an active member of the Rumson Zoning Board for twenty years. He served on the board of the Holy Cross Church where he and his family attended Mass. He was a member of Rumson Country Club and Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis Club. He joined his father's firm Charles F. Henderson & Sons on the NYSE floor in 1945 and became a member in 1948. Charles rose to become the Chairman of the Board of the firm, which later became know as Henderson Brothers Inc.. He transitioned the firm into one of the largest specialists firms on the NYSE making markets for many of the large Blue Chips including American Express, Berkshire Hathaway, Ford, Bally, Bausch and Lomb and Honeywell. He retired in 1987 to become a full time resident of Palm Beach where he continued to trade and participate in philanthropic endeavors. He served on the Board of Trustees at St Leo University in St. Leo, Florida where he established a scholarship in memory of his son Charles F Henderson III. In Palm Beach, Charles was a member of St. Edwards Parish for more than 30 years. His passion for Catholic charities was evident through his devotion to Lourdes- Noreen McKeen where he remained a board member up until his passing. He was an honorary member of The Knights of Malta for over thirty years and spent much of his time helping a variety of charities and others in need. He could be found on the dance floor at one of his many favorite clubs including The Everglades Club, The Beach Club, The Sailfish Club, The Palm Beach Yacht Club and Club Collette. Family and friends had many enjoyable evenings together.

Charles was predeceased by his wife Mary Louise, three brothers, John, Robert and Joseph and two of his children, Charles F Henderson III and Gregory M. Henderson. Charles is survived by two sisters Mary Meyer and Anita Gassert and a brother Peter Henderson. He is also survived by his children: David (Janice) Henderson of Shrewsbury, Guy Henderson of Delray, Florida, Jerome Henderson of Palm Beach and Mary Louise (Seldon) Clarke of Bernardsville NJ. He is the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 7th, 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 8th at the church. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lourdes - Noreen McKeen Residence, 315 S. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach, FL, 33401 or to St. Leo University, 33701 SR 52, P.O. Box 6665, St. Leo, FL 33574.