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Francis C. Henrick

Francis “Frank/Fran” C. Henrick, 88, passed away on Aug. 23, 2024, from Alzheimer’s Disease with his youngest daughter by his side. He was born on July 13, 1936, in Lowell, Massachusetts, the son of the late Grace C. Henrick and Francis A. Henrick.

Francis grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, in a family with three other siblings. He graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover; MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and received his master’s degree from Colby College in Maine. He also spent two years in the U.S. Army, of which he was quite proud.

During his lifetime, he was blessed with two wives. Having married his first wife Barbara “Bobbee” Petroff Henrick in 1959 in Bristol, they were blessed with five children, three sons and two daughters. Francis and Bobbee shared 44 wonderful years together, working hard, raising their family, and building friendships and fellowship. Well deserved, they retired early to Old Saybrook and Vero Beach, Florida. They enjoyed their kids and grandkids’ family visits, friend gatherings, family reunions, traveling, and playing. They filled their lives with a lot of many cherished memories until her untimely death in 2003.

Retired and in Florida, God was working on his broken heart. Francis was reunited and married his high school sweetheart Patricia “Patsy” Doyle Henrick in 2004. Many believe their reunion to have been spiritually and gratefully crafted by Bobbee as well. Patsy was a welcomed and joyful addition by all to the Henrick and Petroff families, as was her entire family. Francis and Patsy added 20 great years to their fond childhood memories, continuing the Henrick family reunions, making strong new friendships in their Sarasota neighborhood, and renewing their old ones as the spunky couple they were.

Though Frank’s initial career plan was to become a doctor, when a teaching job became available at Bristol Eastern, and he was encouraged to apply by his in-laws, that trajectory quickly changed. Frank soon found his true calling to be teaching. Though still a young graduate himself, he was enthusiastic about working with his students and impacting their passion for learning. After three years in Bristol, he began his tenure at Staples High School in Westport. For 35 years, Frank taught chemistry, physics, and calculus. In addition, he coached many sports, including baseball and soccer. As head coach, he led both the men’s and women’s soccer teams to a state championship.

He was an avid tennis player and semi-pro pitcher but enjoyed all sports. Playing sports, he became extremely competitive, which was contrary to his usual gentle demeanor. He was a true gentleman, a kind soul. Throughout his life, he volunteered many hours to different organizations, always wanting to help the less fortunate and also spread the good news. The Monroe Jaycees; his Churches: CT-Assumption/Westport and St. Johns/Old Saybrook and FL-St. Thomas Moore/Sarasota, Emmaus, Cursillo, Danbury Prison Ministry, Hospice, the CT Club of Sarasota, and the Little Venice Theater were just some that benefited from his service.

Of all the accomplishments in his life, he was most proud of and grateful to God for his wife, family, and friends. This is where he truly felt alive, or “terrific,” as he so often exclaimed. Whether hanging with his “kids” and their families, at a Red Sox spring training game with his brother and the “old gang” from New England, at the CT Club with his “old” teacher friendships and newly formed friendships, playing 45s, dining at his favorite restaurants, or simply working in the yard, he couldn’t help but display that magnificent smile of his.

Although his family and friends know that he was ready to be with his Lord and Savior, and he is now reunited with all his loved ones gone before him, his physical presence will be missed dearly here on earth.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Doyle Henrick; three sons, Michael (Katrina) Henrick, Jon (Justine) Henrick and Stephen (Gail) Henrick; two daughters, Cheryl Henrick and Karen Tedeschi; a stepson, Lyden (Araceli) Anderson; sister Janemarie Henrick; sister-in-law Marilou Petroff; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Carla Petroff; sister and brother-in-law Eileen and Warren Hastings; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves his long-time best friend Jim Noonan, a true Irish man who always put a smile on his face. In addition to his parents and first wife, Francis was preceded in death by his brother, George Henrick; sister, Ann Mulrooney; father and mother-in-law, Walter and Olga Petroff; sister-in-law, Sonya Petroff; and stepson, Mark S. Anderson.

A celebration of life service will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Mill River Country Club, 4567 Main Street, Stratford. The family welcomes all who knew Francis/Frank/Fran to join us in sharing a memory or two, some joyful laughter, good food, and raising a glass in his honor.

Please consider a donation in memory of Francis to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.