Jay Edward HENDRICK

HENDRICK, Jay Edward Age 77, passed away peacefully, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, on November 28, 2025, of natural causes, following a fall at home.

Born on March 11, 1948, in Norwalk, Connecticut, to John H. Hendrick and Jayne J. Hendrick (Jefferis), he was widely known to his friends as "Jed." Mr. Hendrick grew up in Wellesley, MA, spending summers and vacations with his family at their lakeside property in East Wakefield, NH, which they simply called "Camp." He enjoyed countless hours there boating, waterskiing, fishing, sailing, rowing, swimming and completing all the tasks needed to maintain the property. Jay loved spending quality time with friends and family there, or just a quiet moment alone enjoying the sun and beauty of nature. He took some pride in knowing he kept a piece of New Hampshire forest pristine, and loved nature documentaries about the National Parks and other wild places all over the globe.

In his younger years, he attended Tilton School, where he enjoyed athletics, including soccer. After returning from University of Puget Sound, he took on a role at the company his father founded, American Durafilm Co. Inc. He worked tirelessly for 47 years to expand the business and dutifully provide for the employees and their families.

In 2018, he officially retired from the company and handed control to his son, John M. Hendrick, to take the family business into its third generation. After his retirement, he remained on the Board of Directors and connected to the business until his last years.

Jay is survived by his sister, Jann Holland and her husband, David Holland. His niece, Tina and her husband, Bill; as well as her children, Brendan and Drew. His niece, Stacey and her husband, Mark; and their children, Austin, Madison and Cameron. His daughter, Jessica L. Hendrick; son, John M. Hendrick and his wife, Annina Hendrick; and three grandchildren, Logan, Cooper and Lyla. Former wife and mother of his children, Brenda Hendrick; longtime partner, Roxanne Austin; and her family, Joy, Kelli, UV, Chad, Austin, Lexie, Ethan and Lucas.

Remembered always by his lifelong friend, Bob Spellman and his wife, Amanda; and his sons, Bobby and Ryan. His friends, Bob Gilbert and his wife, Ellen; and his two sons. He will be remembered fondly by his friends at the lake, including the Gilbert, Wiggin and McKay families; and his neighbors at the Breakwater Dover, where he spent his final years. Respected and admired by business associates, Mike Raymond, Joseph Sears, Susan Wright, Jonathan Goodwin; and generations of other company employees and contributors.

He was predeceased by his father, his mother; his uncle, Robert; his aunt, Beth; and friend, Chuck Austin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one of the organizations below which support causes aligned with some of the things he loved most in life. https://thetreesremember.com/memorial-trees/ or https://preserve.nature.org/ or https://secure.aspca.org/donate/donate

A private Burial will be held in Springfield, MA in January. If you would like to attend, please contact his son or daughter for details. All are invited to sign the online guestbook, share tributes or post memories on Jay Hendrick's obituary page at https://www.purdyfuneralservice.com/