Henry J. "Hank" Why

1936 - 2021

Henry “Hank” J. Why, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, July 12th, 2021 at his residence in Nashua, NH. Son of the late Herbert and Dorothy Why, he was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 10th, 1936. In addition to being a loving father, grandfather, husband, friend, and community member, Hank was an avid and enthusiastic sportsman and craftsman. A seasonal resident of Wolfeboro, NH since 1968, Hank had lived full time on the lake since 1998 and embraced many activities related to the region. He built his first wooden boat at the age of 12 and subsequently shared his passion for building, restoring and showing antique wooden boats. As one of the three founders of the Wolfeboro-based New Hampshire Boat Museum, Hank established and instructed the annual summer boat building school as well as served on the NHBM Board for many years. Hank could be found at the Wolfeboro town docks helping to run the Antique Race Boat Regatta. In the winter, you could find Hank volunteering for the Adaptive Ski program and getting in runs at many NH ski areas. Instrumental in starting the nonprofit Teen Master Tennis Academy, Hank, sharing his passion for tennis created more opportunities for teens to play at higher levels. Hank also encouraged all of his children and grandchildren to become avid skiers, boaters, and tennis players and provided instruction and opportunities for all to grow and learn. Hank was a 1954 graduate of Cheltenham High School as well as an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Bucknell University in 1959 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and served as an ROTC cadet, and subsequently as a commissioned Captain in the US Army. Prior to his very full retirement, Hank had a 39 year career at Philadelphia Electric Company, retiring in 1998. During much of that time he resided in Villanova, PA while raising his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathryn O. Why, three children, Gregory (Shelley), Andrew (Paula) and Leslie (Kevin) and six grandchildren, Lexi, Katie, Chris, Megan, Kate, and Stephanie. A service will be held privately and a celebration of Hank’s life will be held at a later date in the Wolfeboro and the Philadelphia areas. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The New Hampshire Boat Museum, PO Box 1195, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896, or www.nhbm.org/support.