Michael William Henderson

1936 - 2018

Michael William Henderson

Ocean Pines, MD - Michael William Henderson, "Coach", age 82, of Ocean Pines, MD died Friday, October 26, 2018 at his home. Michael was born in Paterson, NJ. He spent the first 71 years of his life in Bergen County, NJ, in Allendale, Midland Park and Ramsey. He was the son of the late William and Marie (Ferrer) Henderson. He was preceded in death by his brother, John M. Henderson in 2015.

He was a retired Physical Education, Health and Science Teacher, and was the Men's Varsity Basketball Coach for Emerson Jr./Sr. High School, in Emerson, NJ for 35 years. Prior to teaching at Emerson, he taught and coached at Tenafly High School in Tenafly, NJ. Michael also coached basketball at Midland Park High School and Paramus Catholic High School. He organized summer basketball leagues and pick-up games in Tenafly, Midland Park and Emerson. He was a long-time parishioner at The Church of the Nativity in Midland Park, NJ where he was also a CYO Basketball Coach. He later became a member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Ramsey, NJ prior to him relocating to Ocean Pines, MD where he was a member of John Neumann Catholic Church and an avid paddle tennis player and organizer of various leagues.

Michael had many talents and was passionate about many things in life including restoring and collecting antiques, coaching and playing basketball (especially at the infamous "Barn" in Midland Park), teaching, Cape Cod, the beach, paddle tennis, piano playing, enjoying his students and players, coaching his children, stealing hugs from his grandchildren, playing pranks with his brothers Pete and John. Michael had a creative flair and love of music along with being a big kid and the love to compete. He made many friends along the way and a few foes, on the basketball court, but all in good fun. He thrived on helping the young ones perfect their natural talent and he could pick out a future "Center Forward" a mile away.

He was a past president of NAWCC (National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors) He also served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

He is survived by his wife, Mary C. Henderson; two sons, Michael W. Henderson Jr., and wife Sara of Rutherford, NJ. Matthew Henderson and wife Heather of Midland Park, NJ and their children Julia and McKenna. Three daughters, Mary Beth Henderson of Warwick, NY, Donna Spatidol of Chatham, MA and her children Alexa and Andrew. Sharon Henderson and Tucker Wilson of New Canaan, CT. One sister, Judith Coletti of SC and one brother, Peter Henderson of Vernon, NJ and his wife Anita, and their children, Ellen, Elissa and Erin; stepson, Bradley Heine and wife Jill of Manasquan, NJ and their son Connor. A stepdaughter, Kimberly Hess and husband Raymond of South Riding, VA., and their children Morgan and Kensley.

The family extends great thanks for all of the love and support over the years from friends and extended family. An NJ Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held 1 pm on Friday, November 2 at St. John Neumann, 11211 Beauchamp Road in Berlin with Rev. Joseph Cocucci officiating. A viewing will be held one hour before the mass. Burial will be in Garden of The Pines Cemetery in Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.