Henry L. "Red" Witham, 88, of 45 Lincoln Park, formerly of Eastern Avenue, died Saturday morning, June 2, 2007 at the Addison Gilbert Hospital. He was the husband of Harriett P. (Morse) Witham. They had recently celebrated 60 years of marriage with their family and friends.
Born in Gloucester on February 24, 1919, he was the son of the late Leslie S. and Eleine (Olson) Witham. Henry was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1936. He worked at Gorton's for 44 years and was active in the UFCW as steward and treasurer.
A U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, he served as a radioman 1st class and was stationed in various areas of both the Atlantic & Pacific. He was also a member of the World War II Memorial Committee.
Henry was known for his love of life & sense of humor, and often referred to himself as the "Big Wheel", with all of the members of his family serving as "little spokes."
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Henry and Nancy Witham of Salem, two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Dana Rankin, Shirley and Paul Hendrickson all of Gloucester, eight grandchildren, Melissa, wife of Brad Poole; Keith, husband of Laurie-Beth Rankin; Henry Witham, III; Lisa, wife of Brett Bertwell; Erik Hendrickson; Stephanie, wife of Ryan Gendren; Jeffrey Witham, and his companion, Leanne and Freya Hendrickson, eight great-grandchildren, Samantha Poole, Andrew, Jessica and Julianne Bertwell, Catherine Witham, Bailey Witham, Arianna and Eva Gendren. He also leaves a sister, Marion, wife of Ray Brown of Peabody and sisters-in-law Clothilde Witham, Mary, wife of George Witham and Nancy Budrow all of Rockport, Margie Morse and Ruth Barkhouse both of Gloucester and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by two sisters Hazel and her husband Paul D'Hooge, Eleine and her husband Hugh "Pat" Strople, a brother, Leslie S. Witham, Jr., as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
His funeral service will be held on Wednesday morning in the Locust Grove Cemetery, Lanesville at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to local veteran’s organizations or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.