Henry J. "Hank" Deion

long-time resident of Cranston, RI, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 31, 2022 at Cedar Crest Nursing Home at the age of 94. Hank was born March 8, 1927, in Providence, RI and lived his childhood days in the Olneyville area on Ida Street in Providence. He was the son of the late Henry J. Deion, and Bertha (Rusek) Deion, brother of the late Joseph Deion, and brother-in-law of the late Catherine (LaFazia) Deion. Hank was also the cousin of the late Stefania Fedorkowa of Lublin, Poland. Even as a child, Hank was involved in the church and the community as an altar boy, paper boy, lifeguard, and staff member of the Junior Police Academy. Hank graduated from Lasalle Academy High School, Providence, RI, 1945, was a Seaman first class in the United States Coast Guard, 1945, earned a B.S.F. from Michigan State University, 1950, and received a Master's Degree in Public Administration, University of Rhode Island, 1968. He was appointed State Forester and Chief of the Division of Forest Environment within the Department of Environmental Management in 1970. Hank was responsible for the State's Forest Management and Forest Fire Programs until he retired in 1986, after 35 years of active service with the State of RI. He was the loving husband of the late Judith (Marshall) Deion. Hank and Judy's Homestead was well-known in western Cranston for their Christmas trees and pick-your-own blueberries. Hank, being very proud of his Polish heritage, claimed that his trees were special Polish trees. He would say, "Why have just a Christmas tree, why not have a Polish Christmas tree!" Hank and Judy were long-time members of the Providence and Cranston YMCA. They participated in triathlon events, such as the Ironman. They would also retreat in the winter months from January to April in Barbados, where they would meet and make new friends from all over the world. Hank enjoyed his outdoor activities and "projects" in the yard. He valued his family and friends, and was a great conversationalist who enjoyed sharing his stories and his wisdom. He was known for his "unique" sense of humor. He was one of the founding members of Holy Apostles Catholic Church in western Cranston, while also being one of its oldest members. Hank is survived by his first wife, Edna (Mossman) Deion of Cranston, and their children and spouses: Henry John Deion III and Deborah Deion of South Kingstown, Mark S. Deion of Warwick, Valerie Deion of Cranston, Lori Drummond of Long Island, New York, and Mathew T. Deion of Cranston and his former wife, Toni Deion of Cranston. He was also the loving father of the late Lynn (Deion) Duchesneau. Hank is also survived by his stepson, Mark Horner, and step daughter-in-law, Elissa (Johnson) Horner of Scituate. He was blessed with many grandchildren: Stephen Deion, Christopher Deion, Jennifer Drummond, Daniel Drummond, Annette Deion, and Mathew Deion II. He was also blessed with step-grandchildren, Tara Johnson (Saccoccio), and Ryan Horner, and one step-great-grandson, Ethan Fox Johnson. Hank's family and friends are eternally grateful to the staff at Kent Hospital and Cedar Crest Nursing Home who compassionately took care of him. We also thank the ministry of palliative and hospice care givers, who provided for all of his needs, and were vigilant in maintaining his human dignity, spirituality, and comfort, especially during his last days and hours of life. Additional thanks is also expressed to Holy Apostles Catholic Church, especially to the ministry of the men of Saint Joseph and Meals on Wheels. Their fellowship, love and compassion, expressed in their strong Catholic faith had exemplified Jesus among us. "A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." - John 13:34
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston, RI, at 10:00 am. Calling hours will be on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1278 Park Avenue Cranston, RI, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Holy Apostles Memorial Fund. Hank will be laid to rest at St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston.
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