Morton E. Henig

Mort Henig died peacefully on January 6, 2026, at Vantage Point Residences in Columbia, Maryland, just one month before his 98th birthday. A man of boundless energy, keen intelligence, deep generosity, and unfailing kindness, Mort enriched countless lives with his wisdom, humor, and gift for storytelling.

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Mort was the son of the late Moses and Sophie Henig and the brother of the late Sherman Henig. His family shared a unique and cherished bond: two brothers married two sisters, creating a tightly woven circle of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and double first cousins.

Though his grandfathers were deeply observant and his father less so, Mort developed his own thoughtful relationship with his Jewish heritage. He honored many traditions throughout his life and, in his final years, became involved in the Jewish community at Vantage Point. As in all things, he approached matters of faith with openness and curiosity.

Mort attended school in Newark, and he frequently enjoyed reminiscing about his high school football days. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 and was stationed in Japan during the postwar occupation. His exceptional organizational skills and natural leadership earned him an assignment at General Douglas MacArthur's headquarters, where he managed supply room operations. He often shared entertaining stories about that experience!

After completing his military service and college education, Mort began a distinguished 33-year career with the U.S. General Accounting Office. His work took him around the world auditing military bases, reviewing major public infrastructure initiatives—including the design and construction of the I-495 Capital Beltway—and evaluating significant national programs such as NASA's Mercury and Apollo space missions. He approached each assignment with integrity, precision, and a deep sense of public service.

Mort and Roslyn Henig were married in 1952, and their first son was born in 1954. Together they lived overseas from 1957 until their second son was born in 1961, then settled permanently in Maryland where they welcomed their third son in 1965. Mort and Roz divorced in 1980.

Retirement opened a new and joyful chapter. Mort relocated to Portland, Oregon, where he launched a second career with Tektronix as head of internal audits. He embraced an active lifestyle and met the love of his life at a local tennis club. He and Sandy Henig, both accomplished tennis players, married in 1989 and shared 20 wonderful years filled with companionship, travel, and laughter.

At age 96, Mort returned to Maryland to be closer to family. At his senior living community in Columbia, he continued to live with purpose and vitality—walking 5,000 steps a day, reading widely, following his favorite sports teams, and treasuring time with family and friends.

In addition to his parents and brother, Mort was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra Henig; his first wife, Roslyn Henig; and Nancy Wood, his cherished companion of 13 years.

He is survived by his loving sons, Robert, Howard, and Alan Henig; daughters-in-law Suzanne and Risa Henig; his adored grandchildren Sam, Nathan, Peter, and Natalie Henig; granddaughter-in-law Kelly Slaght; nieces Sherry Migden and Andy Henig; and many extended family members and dear friends. Mort's warmth, humor, and enduring example of a life well lived will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of Mort's life will be held at 2:00 EST on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center in Columbia, with a Zoom option available at https://uucolumbia.net/events/memorial-service-for-mort-henig/

If desired, and in lieu of flowers or trees, memorial contributions may be made to Gilchrist in gratitude for their compassionate and exceptional hospice care, and in honor of Mort's service as a hospice volunteer in Portland. https://gilchristcares.org/donate/