Robert Edward Henning

1929 - 2023

Henning, Robert Edward

December 16, 1929 - May 23, 2023

Robert Edward Henning, 93, of 712 Aldersgate Drive, Winston Salem, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Bob who was also known as Woody and Poppy by various grandchildren, was born on December, 16 1929 in Bronxville, NY. He was the son of the late AJ and Evelyn Henning.

Bob's pursuit of knowledge took him to Fordham Prep for high school and then St. Lawrence University, in Canton, N.Y. where he played football on the 1950 undefeated team. In 1990, the team was inducted into the St. Lawrence University Hall of Fame. He also graduated from Fordham University School of Law. He embarked on a successful legal career, practicing alongside his father for many years at Henning & Henning. Later, Bob moved into the banking sector with Chittenden Trust in Vermont and Shawmut Bank in Boston. He also spent some time in Washington, DC working under George Romney at Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

His passion for education and nurturing young minds led him to play a pivotal role in the establishment of Whitby School in 1958, a renowned Montessori institution in Greenwich, Conn.

Bob's dedication to fostering learning environments and helping others went beyond the classroom. While living in Vero Beach, Florida, he actively participated in Habitat for Humanity

both building houses and organizing volunteers.

Bob was not one to waste time. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including golf, tennis, skiing, biking, canoeing and walking the cul de sac in his neighborhood. He could often be found throwing a ball, playing tennis or teaching a grandchild a new technique to help improve whatever sport they were working on. He was an accomplished skier, recognized for emulating Norwegian Olympian Stein Eriksen's style of skiing, wool knickers and all. His beloved Vermont mountains included Stratton, Stowe, Mad River Glen and later Okemo where he volunteered to teach beginners, both young and old.

Bob's journey in life was marked by love and companionship, as he shared many wonderful years with his wife, Millie Gold Henning, residing in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Vero Beach, Florida and Manchester, Vermont in the summers. Together, they enjoyed traveling, walking the Reynolda Gardens, reading books by the fireplace, occasional rounds of golf, watching sports and spending time with their grandchildren in Pilot Mountain and New England. They have enjoyed being part of Ekwanok Country Club in Vermont and Old Town Club in Winston Salem.

Bob's memory lives on through his beloved wife, Millie, his children Alyson, Kimberly and Geoffrey by his first wife Anne Butler Henning and his daughter Cornelia Van Amburg by his second wife Elise Truebner Henning and his stepdaughter Kate Hanes Snow and his adoring grandchildren David, Brooks, Julia, Eliza, Malcolm, James, and one great grandson, Alex and step grandchildren Casey, Logan, Hadly, Eli, and Jade. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and unwavering love will continue to inspire all those who knew him.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. on Wednesday, May 31st, at 12 noon. The Rev. Nicholas VanHorn will be officiating.

Memorials can be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Habitat for Humanity or the Kate B Reynolds Hospice Home. Condolences may be made online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service (Downtown)