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Henry Rembish Obituary
Henry T. Rembish Jr., 37, of Dupont, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Friday, June 3, 2011, at his home. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, May 10, 1974, and was a son of Henry T. Rembish Sr. and the late Alberta (Madden) Rembish. Henry was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. He was a 1991 graduate of Coughlin High School, Luzerne County Community College and Wilkes-University. He worked for Pride Mobility for 10 years. Deeply devoted to family, Henry will always be remembered as a loving husband and father. Henry cherished his bond with his 13-month-old son, Madden. Although just a child, it is likely that Henry's love for Madden made an indelible impression that will remain with Madden all the days of his life. Henry was an avid collector of Star Wars Yoda treasures. Over the years, he amassed an extensive collection that has been deemed No. 1 in the United States and No. 2 in the world. Henry's fascination with the wise and gentle Yoda fueled his collector's passion in ways that are both rare and impressive. This collection and the care Henry took in maintaining and preserving it will remain an important part of his legacy. In addition to his father and son, Henry is survived by his wife of two years, Joyce (Smihosky) Rembish; his brothers, Leo Febish of Nevada and Robert Swan and his wife, Kim, of Dupont; his sisters, Donna and her husband, David Hontz, of Wilkes-Barre, Darlene O'Brien of Wilkes-Barre, Kelly Rembish of Wilkes-Barre, and Trisha Nardone and her husband, Jim, of Virginia. Henry is also survived by his stepmother, Jean Rembish of Hanover Township; his father- and mother-in-law, Paul and Andrea Smihosky of Avoca; his brothers-in-law, Michael and Brian Smihosky; his dog Max; as well as several nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, 121 Schooley Ave., Exeter. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in care of Madden Rembish. Online condolences may be made to www.kiesingerfuneralservices.com .
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Memories and Condolences
for Henry Rembish
Jeff Kleinow
July 19, 2011
While I never met Henry in person, we had multiple e-mail conversations over the years regarding Yoda collectibles. I run a Yoda website, and Henry was very knowledgable and passionate about Yoda collecting - as it sounds like he was with every other part of his life. I was saddened to hear this news, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.
Brady Abdalla
June 22, 2011
Henry was a very vivid character a man who was of great humor and intelligence. A man who would always stand out in any crowd. As he did in Prides forum
His advice was always good and his humor was always bubbling just under the surface. I never got to meet him face to face but we have exchanged many messages through Prides Forum. His advice was always good his friendship unwavering.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, as he touched many lives and put a smile on all them. Especially me. I enjoyed our repartee whether it be humorous or serious. I have missed him these past few years and now I will miss him even more.
Go with peace my friend and may The Force be with you always.
My condolences and best wishes go out to his family, and know this that there are many more out there who respected and loved your Henry. May God hold and protect all of you.
Lisa Kozloski
June 14, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to Henry's family. May he continue to bring you joy and peace always.
Paul Komishock
June 9, 2011
Henry, from almost the first day I met him, was always able to make me laugh. His time here was too short but he touched everyone that knew him in a sincere way. My sincerest condolences to Joyce, Madden, and the rest of the family.
June 8, 2011
LEO, JOYCE
MAY GOD GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW HENRY WAS LOVING CARING AND FUNNY PERSON HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED YOU WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
ANN MARIE BROOKS LARKSVILLE PA
Bob Decker
June 8, 2011
Joyce, I'm so sad and sorry on the loss of Henry at such a young age. My prayers are for Henry as well as you, your family, and friends who are in mourning. May the comfort of Jesus through His Holy Spirit comfort you through these dark days.
Noelle Craig
June 8, 2011
Joyce & Madden,
I apologize that I couldn't be there at the funeral home to say my final goodbyes to Henry. I feel so honored to be able to have called him my dear friend. Sitting in a cubicle near Henry during work was always an interesting time. Between the smells of his lunches and the crazy music coming from his cubicle, he always made work more enjoyable. Please know that Henry spoke of both of you with so much love, pride, and admiration. For such a big, tattoo-clad man, he had the biggest heart. He will be missed! Much love! - Noelle
Garry Boone
June 7, 2011
Bless you Henry. May you provide greatness in Heaven as you did on earth.
Garry Boone,
Houston ,Texas
Gary Allegrucci
June 6, 2011
So sorry for your loss. Henry was truly one of a kind. I can't remember a time when he didn't make me laugh. He would always stop to ask you how you were doing at work or outside of work. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Terri Rozaieski
June 6, 2011
Dear Joyce, Madden, family & the many, many friends of Henry,
I offer you my most heartfelt sympathy and deepest prayers for your peace and healing.
Henry was unique and amazing. There are just no better words to describe him. Over the years, I've known a lot of people but very few true friends—people I knew I could trust with anything, no matter the time and distance between us. Henry was one of those people.
Even though Mike and I moved away a number of years ago, that never changed. I truly believe I could have called Henry at any moment, told him I needed him, and he would have made it happen just as if not a day had passed between us.
I have so many positive memories of Henry. I remember him as one of the happiest people I will ever know. Don't get me wrong, Henry had his bad days. Life hadn't always been kind to him, and he wasn't immune to the pain nor oblivious to it. However, he had the most unwavering optimism about him.
I loved that—no matter what happened—Henry had a way of rising above. He didn't just wish for better days. He willed them into existence.
I will never forget how he talked about losing his mom at an early age. So many people would have been lost in their sadness or overwhelmed by anger at the unfairness of it all. Not Henry. Instead, he honored his mom with a beautiful portrait that he carried as one of his many tattoos, and he spoke of her kindness and goodness, which were so clearly also in him. He shared that with the world, and she lived on. That's how Henry handled adversity.
Even mistakes made as a young adult, Henry took the initiative to make it right. He didn't need anybody to tell him what to do or order him to make restitution. He'd have done it anyway. I'd never met anyone with a greater resolve to take responsibility for his actions. I seriously doubt I ever will. He just had an integrity about him that is unmatched, in my experience.
Last night when I heard the news, after the initial sorrow and disbelief, I found myself thinking on specific moments with Henry and just how much joy he brought to my life...
I remember his outlandish Halloween costumes. I remember the collection of Homies in his cubicle at Pride. I remember, practically every day before work could begin, convening in Henry's cube to view the latest completely inappropriate YouTube video he'd managed to find (good Lord...where in the world did he come up with some of that stuff?!).
I remember the mouth-watering aromas that would waft over the wall of Henry's cube, and I'd mosey up there to find that Henry had warmed up last night's leftovers. Henry's leftovers would consist of a pound or two of some exotic cut of meat (which, of course, left you wondering just how big the original meal was!) surrounded by the most unbelievable sauces, all created in the mind of Henry.
I remember at least a couple of times a week, every week, sampling his latest creation. There'd be one fork, one knife, Henry, me and a handful of other salivating coworkers, and Henry would proudly dole out bites of his lunch, one forkful at a time. There wasn't a selfish or self-conscious bone in his body.
It was always so funny to me--this huge guy with the tattoo suit, the spiked hair, the earrings; reconciling that person with this soft spoken, sincere, intelligent, gentle man who could cook Paula Deen AND Julia Child under the table.
Speaking of work, I remember it being all the more pleasant and my load significantly lighter because of just how good Henry was at his job. Henry was whip-smart. He memorized, literally, thousands of specifications and could explain their application just as easily—and patiently—to a young and inexperienced consumer as to a seasoned industry professional. He had a real gift with people.
Working in the manufacture of wheelchairs and scooters, it's a fine line to hold—that which allows you to empathize with another's suffering while offering encouragement and still holding that person accountable for his or her own future and happiness. Often, it is a delicate balance of holding a person with one hand while gently pushing them out of the nest with the other and still managing to come up with a third hand to catch them if they fall. Henry managed that flawlessly.
I had used a wheelchair for 20-ish years when I met Henry, and I thought I'd mastered the art of independence and self-reliance. It took Henry to make me realize that, sometimes, relying on another person only makes you that much stronger. I can't tell you the number of times a lift would be broken or a few steps separated me from where I needed to be, and Henry would scoop me up and carry me. He never made a big deal of it; never took away a shred of my dignity. Rather, he had some magical way of making me feel smarter for using all of the resources available, he being one of them.
I remember—and absolutely treasure—the pictures from when the four of us went on the antique train ride that fall in Jim Thorpe to see the leaves. I remember talking you guys into flipping the bench seat backs so we could face each other to talk on the ride, never realizing that people in the 1920's were apparently a whole hell of a lot shorter than we were. After two-plus hours of our knees being "accordioned" together, well, let's just say we were bonded for life.
I remember on that same trip, Henry—with his own brand of exuberance—hanging out the train window to take your picture, Joyce, as you hung out another window, all the while with the train moving and me chanting, practically out loud, "Please don't drop my camera in the gorge, Henry. Please don't drop my camera in the gorge!"
He loved you so much, Joyce. That was one of the most beautiful parts of that day—seeing just how much he loved you; how much you loved each other. You’ll always have that, you know.
I could write a million things that I remember. What I know in my heart, though, is that—written or not—there is not the tiniest shred that I will ever forget.
Henry made me a better person. That's the bottom line. He made all of us better. His influence, like his spirit and his light, will live on forever.
Joyce, please know we love you, we miss you, and we're praying for you. If you need anything; if you just want to talk, I'm your girl. You are so blessed to have Madden and he, you. Take care of each other. As others have said, I too know that Henry will be watching over you both.
Love always, Terri (Mike, Jaden & Ainsley) Rozaieski
Jerry Stratton
June 6, 2011
It is with great sorrow that I heard Henry had passed. Truly one of the great ones and a man who had been referred to as an "undercover optimist."
I can remember being in a tight spot away from home and having Henry overnight me a device...free of charge...that saved the day and allowed me to complete my schooling, saving me a great deal of time and expense. He did this kind of thing behind the scenes at work regularly. He has touched so many, his passing will leave a void in a great many lives even beyond his family. There were times when his unique outlook brightened bleak situations, changing the scene for so many. His sense of humor and gentle ways put smiles on the faces of so many people. Earth has lost a truly great man. May the force be with you, Henry! You made our planet a much brighter place while you were here.
You will be greatly missed.
Melissa Thompson
June 6, 2011
Henry, you were a good friend and you will surely be missed. We will always look back on the memories we shared with you. Joyce and Madden, our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Jason Thompson
June 6, 2011
Henry, you were one of a kind. It has been a pleasure knowing you over the years. You were a great friend, husband and father. You will truly be missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joyce, Madden and your family. Rest In Peace my friend.
Amy Walsh
June 6, 2011
So sad to hear of Henry's passing. He was always the one who made everyone smile and will always remember the fun times we had in high school. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family and may he rest in peace.
Maggie Hughes
June 6, 2011
Henry will always be remembered in our hearts and prayers. I will miss him and his funny remarks. He helped me a lot with my work at Pride. He was a friend to everyone. May God bless you Joyce and Madden
June 6, 2011
We were sad to hear of Henry's passing. Our thoughts and prays are with you.
Joe and Georgeann Smith
Tom Charney
June 6, 2011
I can't count how many times your advice helped me professionally, and personally. You will be missed by all you touched. My days with Pride/Quantum were made much more enjoyable due to you. Rest in Peace Henry.
June 6, 2011
My husband and I are friends of the Hontz family and we send our condolences. Our prayers and thoughts are with the whole family. God Bless you, Joyce and Madden.
Lynn & Curt Heitmeyer
Erica Sawicki
June 6, 2011
May your fond memories bring you comfort Joyce. My deepest sympathy goes out to you. You are in my Thoughts & Prayers.
God Bless
Marie Pedley
June 6, 2011
Dear Joyce and Madden,
I was so sad when I heard about Henry. He was always so nice to me and I will always remember and be grateful to him for that. You will stay in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong Joyce, and remember all the good times you had with Henry. He will be watching over you and Madden and wrap his angel wings around you.
Love,
Marie
Joe Mello
June 6, 2011
Henry,you not only marched to the beat of your own drum...you held your own parade my friend!It was an honor to know and work with you! My prayers are with the Rembish family during this dry season. God Speed ....my FRIEND !
Sheri Resperski
June 6, 2011
Dear Joyce and Madden,
Even though you cannot see Henry in person he is still with you, watching over you. May all the good memories you built with Henry help you in this difficult time. I am sorry for you lost. We all loved Henry and his honest personality. RIP Henry! - Sheri and Mark R.
Annette Dunn
June 6, 2011
Joyce, Madden, and Family..
I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories always fill your hearts with joy and keep you strong through this difficult time.
Tina Raineri
June 5, 2011
Uncle Hench,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of young Henry. I wish you comforting thoughts during this difficult time.
Take Care,
Tina
Tina Raineri
June 5, 2011
Dear Leo, Darlene,& Kelly,
I am shocked and sad to hear about the loss of Henry. He was a joy during my baby-sitting years! I wish you and his family peace during this difficult time.
Love,
Your cousin,
Tina
SUZY KOSHIER
June 5, 2011
,LEO DARLENE AND KELLY AND DONNA--HEY COUSINS I;M SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR BROTHER HENRY-I;M SURE HE IS IN HEAVEN WITH YOUR MOM -MY HEART AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU GUYS--------LOVE YOUR COUSIN SUZY
Faye Kirkpatrick
June 5, 2011
Leo, We are so sorry for your loss. Will keep you in our prayers.
Joe & Faye Kirkpatrick
Ida Pace
June 5, 2011
I have had the pleasure of knowing Henry through work and I can tell you that when Henry entered the room you knew it.. he was like a walking piece of art, he was quiet and engaging and he always left your presence smilng. He will be missed by those of us that had the true pleasure of really knowing him. My deepest condolence to his wife Joyce and his little boy...
John & Mary Anne Whitonis
June 5, 2011
Darlene, are hearts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. We will pray for the soul of your brother Henry. God Bless.
Christine Webb (Orluk)
June 5, 2011
Rest in peace, Henry. God bless his family. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Kim and John Fecina
June 5, 2011
Joyce, Madden and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy is with you.
Maggie Metzger
June 5, 2011
Henry, so sorry for the lose of your son. God Bless you and your family. Maggie and Dutch Mtzger
Mark Cour
June 5, 2011
I hired Henry when he was still at Coughlin High, as well as Tricia. Good kids, both. Henry was often loud, colorful and intriguing, but never boring.
As Yoda would say: Miss him, we will.
David Pasqua
June 5, 2011
Leo,Darlene, Kelly and Mr. Rembish I am so sorry to hear about Henry's passing. My deepest condolences.
Nicole Marek
June 5, 2011
Henry was an extraordinary man. The world will not be the same without his spirit. My deepest sympathy to his wife, son and family.
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