COCHITUATE AND FRAMINGHAM: George “Rollie” Henderson, Jr., 84, died peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on June 22, 2010 following a period of declining health.
He was born in Stoneham on May 16, 1926 the son of the late George R. Henderson, Sr. and Emma Nina (Goodwin) Henderson.
Rollie is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 39 years Elaine (Reynolds) Henderson of Framingham. He was the father of Patricia A. Henderson of Massachusetts and step-father of Laurel E. Reynolds of Bolton and William A. Reynolds, III of Hudson. He was the grandfather of Caitlin L. Rizzi of Boston, Kirstin E. Rizzi of New York, Justin L. Rizzi and Alison E. Rizzi both of Bolton.
Rollie spent his formative years in Cochituate and graduated from Wayland High School. He has been a resident of Framingham for over 39 years. At the age of 17, Rollie and several friends left Wayland High School to serve their country and joined the U. S. Navy. He served proudly during World War II as a Coxswain serving in the American Theatre and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. In 2000, some 59 years later, Rollie received his high school diploma from Wayland High School under the “Operation Recognition” program in Mass. He retired after many years as a salesman associated with Wellesley Auto Parts. In his early years, he worked for Warren Telechron in Ashland. Rollie was a self-taught man, had a wonderful sense of humor and always sought out the ability to learn. He was soft-spoken, a gentleman and his greatest gift in life was to make others smile and to laugh. He was an avid lover of music and was a talented musician who played lead guitar in several country western bands throughout the region. He enjoyed photography and was an excellent cook of all types of cuisine. Rollie was a committed husband, father and grandfather and was loved by all who knew him.
Visitations will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Bryant Memorial Chapel of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Rd, (Off Rte 30), Cochituate.
His funeral services will be held on Monday, June 28, 2010 at 11:00 am at the funeral home with the Pastor Van L. Sailo of the Seventh Day Adventist Church officiating.
Interment will follow in the Henderson family lot in Lakeview Cemetery in Cochituate.
For those who desire, his family suggests that memorial gifts in Rollie’s memory may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 311 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472 or the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 252 Edgell Rd, Framingham, MA 01702 would be appreciated.
For directions and on-line condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.