John Murray Henry, 88, of Wiscasset, formerly of Hartford and Colebrook, Conn., died Aug. 16 after a brief illness. He was born on Nov. 13, 1920, to John W. and Anna (Code) Henry. A 1939 graduate of Hartford High School, where he was a quarterback of the football team, John attended Morse Business College and later spent time in New York City as a professional drummer. He enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, and received two Purple Hearts. Following the war he returned to Connecticut, working briefly for Prudential Life Insurance Company, and then the Connecticut Natural Gas Company. After retirement from CNG he started a career as a dealer of 17th and 18th-century American antiques, first at Blueberry Hill Farm in Colebrook, Conn., and then, starting in 1994, operating John M. Henry Antiques in Wiscasset.
Known for his quick wit, old world grace, and wide-ranging interests, John made an impression on those he met as a person of sharp intelligence. He had a great love for his family, for life and for learning.
John was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Bunnell Henry and his sister, Anne Henry Ferguson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte; daughters, Gayle Falardeau and husband James of Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H., Noel Bodwell and husband Kim of Meredith, N.H., Dawn Moore and husband Martin of Alton, N.H., and Pamela Centrella and husband Craig of Torrington, Conn.; stepsons, Mark Winslow and his family of Pittsford, Vt., and Jay Winslow and his family of Barkhamsted, Conn.; brother, Robert Henry of St. Simons Island, Ga.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Memorial service 2 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 20 at the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset with the Rev. John Potter officiating. A gathering of family and friends will follow at his home on Summer Street in Wiscasset.
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 40 Federal St., Wiscasset.
