Henry Happel Obituary

HENRY HAPPEL ROCKLEDGE Henry Happel, 73, of Rock ledge, passed away in his home on Monday, June 9, 2008. Henry was born on August 25, 1934 in Maryland. Raised in the countryside, he learned the value of hard work by keeping numerous jobs. While in the Air Force, he studied electronics. This skill brought him to the Space Coast where he worked in the early space program at the cape. This is where he met Dolores who became his wife of 50 years. Always industrious, in Henrys spare time he built the house he raised his family in and the garage in which he started his cabinet business. This business grew to become Happel Marine, Inc., where over 100 employees helped to manu facture boat interiors and trim. Henry was celebrated for his innovative marine interior designs. During this time he became a pilot to more quickly serve his customers. His twin engine plane was often parked in the front parking lot of his shop in Rockledge. After selling Happel Marine, he continued on to new adven tures. Henry built three large warehouses at Port Canaveral which contained a number of prominent corporations. Most notably, the space was used as a studio for the 1996 television series "The Cape". Later he built the SPACEHAB Payload Pro cessing Facility, also at the port. Not wanting to retire, he con tinued to create new compa nies. He became involved with his son, Tom, in his business Quasar Marine building boats. Later they started CMI, manu facturing molds for the cultured marble industry. More recently, they founded Suntree Technolo gies, Inc., building innovative stormwater filtration devices to save our planets natural waterways. Henry is survived by his wife, Dolores Happel; daughter Nancy Happel; sons Tom Happel and John Happel; and brother Tom Happel. Seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren also mourn his passing. He was predeceased by his parents and three other brothers. A Memorial service will begin at 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 18th, at Florida Memorial Funer al Home, with a gathering immediately following for all his friends who would like to trade stories of his amazing life. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Henry Happel to Wuesthoff Hospice, 119 Longwood Ave, Rockledge FL 32955 2827, or call (321) 637-2606.

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Published by FloridaToday on Jun. 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Happel

13 Entries

Ron Sparks

June 25, 2008

A good and decent person who made the world a better place during his lifetime.

Ron Sparks

Kevin Fogarty

June 19, 2008

We didn't know Henry very long, but he impressed us all at the office. We have been thinking of you and are very sorry for your loss.

From Fogarty Chiropractic Life Clinic

Charlie & Virginia Weaver

June 18, 2008

I never met Henry, but all three of my children: Blane, Susan & Randy Edwards all worked for him at Happel Marine Products, both on Clearlake Rd & in Rockledge and he was very good to them. All three thought highly of Henry as a person and an employer. They also spoke highly of you, Delores.
I just occurred to me that almost all their friends worked for Happel's at one time or another. It was sort of a rite of passage for local teens in the 70's to have their first job there, on the way to growing up!
May I offer my deepest sympathies to all the family.

Susan Edwards

June 18, 2008

To the Happel and Rusoff families:

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences for your loss; may beautiful memories help to ease your pain at this most difficult time.

Billy Both

June 18, 2008

I first met Henry when I was 21. He is my best friends dad who was entertaining a soccer team at his house. From the first time I met him, I was blown away by his charm, power and bigness that is Henry Happel.

He changed my life completely. I graduated college with a business and accounting degree and he got me into manufacturing by having me leave my job at a moments notice and start working for him in eventually running CMI, his mold manufacturing company. Never would I imagine someone giving me and trusting me with something so big so soon, while I was so young. I was only 25 then.

I'm 39 now and have been under his wing for 19 years and can't believe how much he's taught me and made my life "bigger than life". No one in my world is larger than him.

Thanks Henry for all that you done for me. I love you!

Paula Pates

June 17, 2008

The first time I met Henry I knew he was a remarkable man. His mind was filled with ideas and dreams for the future. I was glad I got the chance to know him and his lovely wife Delores. He will be greatly missed in this community.

Sandie Green Smith

June 16, 2008

I had the privilege to meet Henry, his lovely wife, Delores, and their children in 1969 as a very young girl, young enough that I was witness to every step he took, from the family garage to the Cape, in creating a business reputation that many men would only dare to dream of. I worked with him for a short time and accompanied him and others on several sales trips departing from Green Air Park. He never ceased to amaze me with his knowledge, talent, wit, and desire to seek new adventures, and succeed. I will always remember the things he taught me so many years ago.

My thoughts and prayers are with his loving family.

Dorothy Johnson

June 16, 2008

Dolores you and your family have my sincere sympathy. I will keep you in my prayers.

June 15, 2008

Sincere sympathy to all who mourn the loss of our Patriot.

Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #566 Pensacola FL

Tina Dorsey-Long

June 14, 2008

Our prayers are with your family for the loss of your loved one, I didn't know Mr. Happel but he had to have been an awesome man because he was married to a phenomenal woman who was the greatest Head Start teacher ever....I remember her even though I don't remember much else from when I was four years old. Mrs. Happel my prayers are with you and your family and I pray that God will comfort and keep you in such a time as this.

JoAnn Sylvester

June 14, 2008

I feel like I knew Henry all my life, but it was just a short time. I have to say he was a joy to work for and I loved his stories. I will miss working with him. God eases all pain.

Randi Stone

June 13, 2008

My condolences to the entire Happel family and the Rusoff's. Henry was a father figure, a mentor, a friend and overall a huge influence in my life since I met him 32 years ago. Henry touched the lives of many people and he will surely be missed by all.

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