Henry L Bendixen

Antwerp, NY - Henry Leroy "DJ Henry Big" Bendixen Jr., 65 of Antwerp, NY. Henry was born in Portland, Maine, January 16, 1960, Henry passed away in Samaritan on January 15, 2026, in Watertown, NY, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was a loving father, devoted friend, and local legend.

Henry comes from a family of nine. He was a child of Henry Bendixen Sr and Donna Laro of Portland, Maine. He has always been a working man. Henry was a jack of all trades, working many jobs in his lifetime. He worked at Etheridge foundry, shrimp and fishing boats, farm jobs, owned buy-sell trade stores, was a self-taught mechanic, and ended his life as a well known DJ with DJ Henry big and crew. Henry had a lifelong love of music. He enjoyed being a part of local bands "flash back" and "the high rider" where he operated the show as their sound guy. He also loved classic cars and was the president of the "Crusin Classic Car Club".

Henry became a father at the age of 20, with his first love and wife, Victoria Lashomb. Together they had two daughters. He later met his second wife, Sharon Bendixen and they had 3 more children, two sons and another daughter. He finally met his last love of his life, Shirley Smith. Within their relationship he gained 4 more children, a boy and 3 more daughters, making his heart full.

Henry impacted so many people's lives, it's hard to put it all into words. His love for cars and music brought many people together. He started in bands many years ago. The flash back and high rider bands were two of his favorite bands to be apart of, often recalling memories of those times. He then decided to create his own shows as DJ Henry Big and Crew bringing karaoke and fun to communities all around. His music made us close, but some of us even closer.

Henry's heart was bigger than most. He always said "I'm not here for a long time, I'm here for a good time". Making people smile was one of his greatest joys. His forgiveness was unlimited and unmatched. Whether or not you're sitting on the dock of the bay, our father has turned the page, and is on the stairway knocking on heavens door.

please don't mourn for him, but rather remember him and carry on his memories through music and kindness as he would want. Like he always said, "the show must go on".

Henry is survived by his long-time partner, Shirley Smith of Antwerp, NY. His children, Bridget Bendixen of Watertown, NY, Kristina Lepper (Shawn) of Boise ID, Matthew Bendixen (Angie) of Port Byron, NY, Anna Bendixen of Baldwinsville, NY. His stepchildren, Dan Smith (Emily) of Indianapolis, IN, Tracy Sweet (Chris) of Watertown, NY, Rebecca Smith (Austin) of Potsdam, NY, and Natalie Yott (Joey) of Watertown, NY. 26 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Sisters: Fay Tibbles, Watertown, NY, Shirley Tripp, Norwich, CT, Brothers: David Bendixen (Trudy) Norwich, CT, and Dale Bendixen (Jen), Carthage, NC.

Henry is predeceased by his parents, Henry Sr, and Donna Laro. A Son, Howard Bendixen. Siblings, Ronald Bendixen, Rayline O'Conner, Beverly Mitchell, Steven Bendixen, and Christopher Bendixen.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 pm at Cleveland Funeral Home, located at 404 Sherman St, Watertown, NY, with funeral services to follow on Wednesday at 11:00am. A spring burial will conclude.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Inc, Watertown.

Online condolences may be made at clevelandfhinc.com.