Henry Weeks

1930 - 2018

Henry Weeks

Wappingers Falls - Henry ("Hank") Winter Weeks -- beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, family member, friend, volunteer, veteran, soccer lover, and recreational fisherman -- passed away peacefully at home of natural causes on April 24, 2018 amidst loved ones, including his devoted wife of 67 years, Catherine. If there is an afterlife, he has already been exploring fishing spots with his pre-deceased long- time friend, Stanley Zoufaly.

Henry was born in December 1930 to Malcolm and Grace Weeks (née Cassetta), and initially grew up in rural Maryland. He had fond memories of living in the Maryland farmland, enjoying eating fruit from the trees, and crab from Chesapeake Bay. However, his parents were unable to care for him, and he was sent to live with his Aunt Mary Cassetta in the Astoria section of Queens in New York City. He developed a passion for, and great skill at, soccer in those years, and was named first team all-New York City at the center-forward position while in high school. As a teenager he also met, and developed a passion for, the love of his life and future wife, Catherine. Henry was offered a soccer scholarship to attend Penn State, as well as an opportunity to play professional soccer in Europe, but instead chose to serve his country for one year in the Air Force and marry Catherine in 1951. They were a close and attractive couple devoted to each other throughout their life.

From a young age Henry was a hard worker, working after school and giving almost all of his earnings to his Aunt Mary to assist with household expenses. He worked in the baking business and as an adult worked various jobs including with Singer sewing machines. He found that he enjoyed sales and was very good at it. Before long he found his way into real estate sales and in the 1950s started his own business, Weeks Realty, in Astoria. Henry loved the real estate business, remained interested in it the rest of his life, and made many lifelong friendships with his real estate customers and colleagues.

Henry and Catherine had four children and in 1966 moved the family from Astoria to Roaring Brook Lake in Putnam Vally, NY. Henry continued his real estate business in Queens, and also had smaller insurance and income tax businesses and also started a small real estate business in Putnam Valley. He was active in many professional organizations during his work career, at various times being president, vice president, an official or board member of multiple organizations, including the Real Estate Board of Queens County, the Western Queens Chapter of the Long Island Board of Realtors, the Putnam County Board of Realtors, and the Long Island Insurance Brokers Association. He volunteered in community affairs, serving as a member on commissions in Putnam Valley, including one for the expansion of Putnam Valley's

school system. For decades he was active in the Ravenswood International Lions Club, serving in various capacities including president. For 30 years he was a member and board member of the Bavarian Soccer Club in New York City. And in the 1950's he served six years in the military reserve.

During his retirement he was an avid volunteer at the Castle Point Veterans Affairs campus, performing various duties including serving as a driver for veterans who needed personal transportation and working in the pantry. Henry continued as a volunteer driver until VA administrators told him his health would no longer permit him to do it. He served on the board of the Stony Kill Foundation and volunteered with Catherine for the Meals on Wheels program.

In his last years he bravely faced the consequences of chronic renal failure choosing to live the best life he could by persevering without despair. He enjoyed trips with Catherine, visiting, being visited, volunteering, and often enthusiastically watched soccer games on TV and urged the player on the screen to "Shoot it!" instead of holding onto the ball. He was also always a great storyteller and loved fishing.

He was an inspiration to many including Bob Karcich, Georgie Muntzenberger, and Tommy Zoufaly. The family thanks the many people who touched his life positively, including friends Charlie and Kathleen Coughlin, and the VA and Hospice staff.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, and siblings Paul, David, and Mac. Survivors include his wife Catherine; sister - Elizabeth; children - Henry, Cathy, Gary, and Bruce; grandchildren - Wendy, Jonathan, and Brian; great grandchildren - Xavier and Zoe; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

There will be a celebration of his life later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Saint Jude Children's Hospital.