Harry Hensell

1933 - 2020

Harry Hensell

Tempe - Harry William Hensell of Tempe, Arizona passed away peacefully with his family at his side on December 29, 2019. Harry was born at home on February 20th, 1933 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to Daniel Hugh Hensell and Loretta (Fleig) Hensell. He attended St George's Catholic Elementary and High School in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania graduating in 1951. He started his military career in 1955 when he joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as an Infantryman. In January 1956 he was drafted in the U.S. Army to become a Radar Operator. In November 1957, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves as a Communications Sergeant for six years. In May 1963, he transferred to the Arizona Army National Guard serving in several different positions. In 1973, Harry was appointed as the first Arizona Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major. He retired from the Arizona National Guard in 1988 with over 33 years of military service. In January 1958 he was one of the first eight employees to be hired at the Western Electric facility in Phoenix, retiring in 1983 after 25 years. Following this, he worked as the Arizona Army National Guard Environmentalist. He was a founding, lifetime member of the Enlisted Association National Guard of the United States where he served on the Executive Board as an Area Director for four years, the Arizona Enlisted Association National Guard President for seven years, and as Secretary for four years. He graduated from Phoenix College with a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Technology (Suma Cum Laude). At Central Arizona College, Harry taught Electronic and Computer courses. He was a lifetime member of the Arizona Military Museum, serving on the Board of Directors for 44 years. In addition, he was a member of the Central Arizona Museum Association and served as the Treasurer in the early days of the association. He was preceded in death by his daughter Loretta Anne, his parents and sister Irene Stouffer. Harry is survived by his wife Mary (Frye) of 64-years, his children William (Carol), Harry (Kimberly), Michael (Margaret), Christina (Scott) Dawson. His sister-in-law's Ruth (Jim) Schreiber and Nancy (Bill) Nitti and many nieces and nephews. He dearly loved his 10 grandchildren and was also blessed with 14 great- grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harry's honor to The Arizona Military Museum, 5636 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85008. A funeral mass will be held on Friday January 17, 09:00 am at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 4410 E Southern Ave, Phoenix AZ. Veteran honors to follow at 11:00 am, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road Phoenix AZ 85024.