Gary S. Henderson

Gary passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023 with his loving wife and children at his side following a sudden illness. Gary was born on June 22, 1951 in Darby, PA to the late Kenneth and Goldie Juanita Henderson. He was the middle child to his older brother Kenneth, and younger sister Anita. Gary grew up in Yeadon, PA where he graduated from Yeadon High School in 1970. He attended Ohio University, and later transferred to Widener University where he earned a B.S. in Business Management 1980. Gary worked with his father at Haslett Motor Company during his teenage years, where his love, knowledge, and admiration for cars began. In 1977, Gary started working at The Boeing Company (formally known as Boeing Vertol) in Ridley Twp., PA as a Metal Spar Mechanic. Following the confirmation of his degree, he transitioned to a new position of Program scheduler where he stayed until his retirement in 2014 after 37 years at The Boeing Company. While at Boeing, Gary had the opportunity to work in the PP&C Group for the Comanche, V-22, and CH-47 programs. His cubicle became a communal spot for the office; his ever-present candy jar brought coworkers over while his kind and calm demeanor made them stay. Gary’s carrot cakes and chocolate cakes were always a big hit for every function at work. (He thought he would only be remembered from his baking, not his actual work!) During his years at Boeing, Gary participated in the Boeing Pre-Management Seminars, Urban League Leadership Institute, 2nd Vice President of Boeing Leadership Association (BLA) 2004-2006, BLA President 2008-2010, Volleyball League President, Tennis League, and Boeing Car Club. Gary participated in multiple charities and community work over the years. He raised money for the Easter Seals through volleyball and baseball games. He was able to present the check on the TV Telethon with Ukee Washington. For over 15+ years, he participated in Senior Solutions, delivering meals to senior citizens for the various holidays. He was a dedicated member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Gary was a past Vestry Board Member, involved in the Men's Ministry, Chicken BBQ chair, Family Promise and All Brunch Catering with Carla. Gary's life revolved around his love for his family. He was truly a dedicated husband and father. Gary met his love, Carla, at The Boeing Company. She was also involved in the Volleyball league where Gary was the President. Their love and relationship grew, until being married in March 1996. Through this union, they were blessed with two children, Gary, Jr. and Marisa Alana, whose accomplishments he took great pride in. They built a beautiful home in South Jersey and enjoyed raising their family. Gary and Carla celebrated 27 years of marriage in March at their favorite seafood restaurant near Smithville, NJ. Mayla, from Gary's previous marriage, was lovingly present and involved with her father and siblings’ lives over the years. Gary enjoyed making pancakes for Mayla using fun cut outs and attending her school plays during her childhood. If he was not working at Boeing, he was participating as a coach to many of Gary, Jr. and Marisa’s sport events, and even supporting Carla on the side with her catering business. In later years, he began the journey once again by attending soccer, track, and baseball events for his two grandsons. While in the kitchen cooking up a delicious barbeque meal one time, Gary (also known as “Papa G”) surprised his family with 10 packs of water balloons, so his grandchildren, and children could enjoy them. His CooCoo clocks in the house became the joy for the grandsons at the top of the hour. Gary loved muscle cars, and owned several in his lifetime. He was one of the original members of the Mid-Atlantic Classic Amx-Amc Club. He was an avid football fan and owned season tickets for the Philadelphia Eagles football games that he attended with his father and brother. He went to the Phillies World Series in 1980. He participated in a Fantasy Football League for 25 years. Additionally, smooth jazz was always playing in the car, especially “Top Down Friday’s” in the Mercedes, tapping to the music. Gary was involved with the Senior Tennis League. He loved cooking and grilling for his family and friends, always searching for new recipes, dishes, and dessert ideas. He also loved traveling, especially driving to visit family in Ohio, and family trips to Tennessee, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts, Vermont and Florida. In addition Gary and Carla also enjoyed many activities together including participating in The Dragon Boat Race and the American Cancer Society Bike-a-Thon bike races. In his retirement years, Gary worked part time at Amazon. In his free time, he enjoyed watching MASH, The Price is Right, GMA, Jeopardy, Columbo, James Bond, and Alfred Hitchcock classics together with Carla. He loved talking about history and watching sports games, which were the basis of several long conversations with Gary Jr.–sometimes into the early morning. Every year, the Garys would attend the Philadelphia Car Show in addition to a myriad of shows hosted by the AMC club. Gary enjoyed sending daily Dad jokes to Marisa every morning. He continued to find new recipes to cook and grill for family and friends. His latest apprentice, Mario, looked forward to every Sunday learning the art of cooking from the “Grill Master”. Gary was loved by many, and had several friends throughout his life. His kind and generous heart, as well as sense of humor, gravitated people to him. He was well liked by everyone who knew him. He will truly be missed by all. Gary S.Henderson is survived by Carla, his beloved wife of 27 years, his loving children Mayla, Gary, Jr. and Marisa. Son-in-law Thomas IV, two grandsons Thomas V and Lucas. Brother Kenneth (Denise) Henderson and Sister Anita (Jesse) Henderson-Coleman in addition to a host of loving cousins, in-laws, family & friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Henderson Family Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 9:30am to 11am at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 11 N. Monroe Avenue, Wenonah, NJ 08090. Funeral Service 11am at the church. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Kidney Cancer Organizations and/or American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) in honor of Gary S Henderson. For condolences, to sign the online quest book and to view Gary's Video Tribute, please visit www.boucherfuneralhome.com

Gary S. Henderson

June 22, 1951 - July 4, 2023