Robert C. Henry

1938 - 2024

Robert C. "Bob" Henry, 85, a longtime resident of Willow Street in Brattleboro, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024, at Vernon Green Nursing Home following a lengthy period of declining health.

Bob was born in East Orange, NJ on November 6, 1938, the son of Richard A. and Barbara (Cook) Henry. He was raised and educated in Madison, NJ. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1965.

He did his undergraduate work at Windham College and graduate work at Boston College.

He happily relocated to Vermont, got a teaching job, built a house, and on August 21, 1972, in Newfane, Bob was married to Helene Kiesel who predeceased him on July 30, 2021.

For over 30 years Bob taught at Brattleboro Junior High School. Additionally, he served as the alpine ski coach for BUHS and taught adult woodworking classes. His science classes were taught with enthusiasm, creativity, the unexpected, and much humor. He fostered connections with and had the ability to connect to students and fellow teachers. Those lucky enough to have him as a teacher got to spend time with maggots, dead animals, skulls, explosives, and lots of pranks. Post-retirement, he was one of the founding members of the Swap Shop at the Transfer Station. He spent hours building bluebird boxes and installing them all over Windham country.

Of his many pastimes and interests, Bob enjoyed fine woodworking, both snow and water skiing, collecting golf balls, spending time on Cape Cod, reading, finding and curating unique treasure collections. He was known as a jack of all trades, lovingly and meticulously maintaining his home for many years. Bob was also the person to call if you had a problem requiring creative problem-solving, be it carpentry, snow removal or snow mountain building, chainsaw use, or a practical joke.

Bob is survived by his two daughters, Lauren Brown and husband, Steve, their children Huxley and Eloise of Brattleboro and Susan Schoenecker and husband, Jon, their children Tyler and Abigail of Nashville, TN; a brother, James Henry of Elizabethtown, PA; one sister, Barbara Bartlett of Kirksville, MO; many nieces, nephews, close friends, and a pet mongoose.

The family would like to thank the staff at Vernon Green, caring for Bob, with patience and compassion for the past 5 years.

In accordance with Bob's wishes, there are no formal funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 25, at the North Barn, Retreat Farm from 1-3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Bob's name to Brattleboro Ski Hill, please use the website; https://www.brattski.org/donate or send via mail; LPMSS, PO Box 1945, Brattleboro, VT 05302.

To share a memory or offer condolences to Bob's family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.