Profile Image
Henry Patrick King Jr. Veteran
February 15, 2017

Obituary

Henry Patrick King Jr., of Medford, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. He was 94.

Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Henry Patrick and Martha (Mooney) King. As a young boy through his teenage years, Henry enjoyed playing sports, specifically basketball. In high school he was the hockey manager. As an adult through his golden years, Henry was a fervent inner city baseball fan. He loved watching the teams play, and his family remembers him staying up late to watch the games loyally.

His love for sports was great, but he had an affinity for the Drum and Bugle Corp; for which, he was a member and played the drums. He would travel around the state to watch competitions, and had favorite bands from all over.

After high school, Henry joined the United States Navy for which he proudly served from December 15, 1942 to February 5, 1946. He earned the WWII Victory Medal, American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon-Three Stars and Good Conduct Medal. Henry had an excellent memory; which, allowed him to never forget his military service number that he could recite as if it were his telephone number. A member of the American Legion, he was part of the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization that is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring community programs. He and his fellow members are advocates of patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

After Henry was honorably discharged, he and his wife Regina married on September 7, 1946. The two started their family with love and devotion. Family was the most important thing to Henry. If you asked him what his favorite hobby was, he would answer, “spending time with my children and grandchildren!” He was the type of father and grandfather that anyone would hope for. He was supportive, loving, sincere, full of wisdom and forgiving. He wanted to be the father that his family could turn to in their time of need—and he succeeded. Henry never missed any of his grandchildren’s special events whether it be a graduation, dance recital, birthday or sports, he was there. Henry kept all the programs that were given out at the events. His children were able to find every program that he saved throughout his life, and the milestones he shared with his family.

A man of great faith, Henry was a Catholic who lived his life in accordance with Christian values. Love, kindness and service to others are how Henry lived his life. A proud and devout member of both the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus, he lived to promote devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and charity to those in need.

In his spare time, Henry enjoyed working with his hands. He was a handy man, and was always helping his children and grandchildren fix up their homes. Similar to his father, who built the family vacation home in York, Maine, back in 1955, Henry also helped build four homes with his nephew, Joseph. He enjoyed staying active, so on a part-time basis, he worked for the United States Postal Service. Through his employment with the post office, he became an avid stamp and coin collector. After his retirement from Lucent Technologies, Henry attended weekly morning breakfasts with his fellow retiree comrades; which, he always looked forward to.

Henry was the beloved husband of the late Regina M. (Loud) King, with whom he shared thirty-one loving years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Joseph H. King and his wife Carol of Woburn, Henry P. King and his Wife Fran of Arizona, Bernard "Bernie" T. King and his Wife Denise of Tewksbury, Jeffrey F. King and his Wife Jane of Medford, the late Maryellen King and the late Paul R. King and his surviving wife Debbie of Winchester. Henry was the loving grandfather of Peter, Bryant, Gina, Christine, Patrick, Gabe, Melissa, Michael, Ryan, William, Taylor, Lisa, Meghan, Chelsey, MacKenzie, Aaron, Sarah and Devon. The loving great grandfather of Peter, Isabella, Sadie, Sophia, Olivia, Emma, Benjamin, Wesley, Samantha, Keira, Mason, Deacon, Aiden, Owen and Everett. He was the dear brother of the late William, Elizabeth and Robert King and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Tuesday, February 21st at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner Street, Medford, at 10AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 3 through 8PM. Services will conclude with interment and military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Henry's name to Brigham and Women’s Hospital “Colson Research and Women’s Lung Cancer”, to Dr. Yolonda Colson, Thoracic Surgery, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 or online at www.bwhevents.org/giveflight; The Heart Fund at Boston Children's Hospital online at www.bostonchildrens.org/or checks made payable to Boston Children's Hospital can be mailed to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please include Henry P. King Jr. in memo line of check; Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place Boston, MA 02215.

Content is coming soon...
Dello Russo Funeral Service
306 Main Street
Medford, MA 02155
781-396-9200