Henry Charles Valcour Jr., 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13 at Rose Monahan Hospice after a brief period of declining health. He now joins his beloved wife of 65 years, Margaret, who passed away in June of 2022, and their son, Steven, who passed away in February 2014. He is also predeceased by his sisters Mary and Isabella, and brother Frank.
Henry was born on September 11, 1934, in Stoneham, Massachusetts and raised in Medford before his parents ultimately settled in Winchester. He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1956 with a degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, and proceeded to enlist in the United States Navy. After officers training at the US Naval School Command in Newport, RI he was assigned to report for active duty at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. A whirlwind engagement and wedding to Margaret followed, to ensure Henry reported for duty on time.
They spent their honeymoon driving an old red and white Plymouth cross-country to their first home on the west coast, where they would start a family. Henry was honorably discharged at the rank of LTJG in 1960. He followed job opportunities that led his family back to the east coast where they would eventually settle in Southborough, MA to raise their six children for many years. He enjoyed his community involvement as Water Commissioner and later as Public Works Planning Board member. He also frequently served as a lector at St. Anne’s of Southborough.
Henry’s career involved the construction of water purification systems around the world, with much time spent in the Middle East and North Africa. He treasured the friendships and cultures experienced during his travels that spanned 58 countries.
Upon retirement, Henry and Margaret built a home in Northbridge which became a new central point for gatherings with family and friends. This new home included a basement wood shop and Henry became well-known for his carpentry skills. His skillfully completed projects can be found in a variety of homes around the US, which brought him great joy. He continued serving as a lector at their new church, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, and participated in church-sponsored aid trips to Haiti that included establishing a clean local water supply.
Those who remain to carry on Henry’s legacy include his son Henry Charles Valcour III and wife Ying with their daughters Victoria and Deanna; his son Benedict Valcour, his wife Mary Ellen and their daughters Megan and Molly, his son Daniel Valcour, his wife Julianna and their sons Nicholas, Daniel Jr., Henry IV and Samuel; his daughter Denise Tatsis, her husband George and their children Christos, Noelle and Charles; and his son Eric, and his sons Jonah and Luke.
Henry’s family wishes to thank the team at the Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester for their care and support during a challenging time, and also gives thanks to his special caregivers at The Overlook.
His funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, February 26, at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 151 Mendon St. Upton, followed by military honors. A fellowship gathering will then take place immediately following in the church hall.
Burial in Rural Cemetery, Southborough, will take place privately at a later date.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish.
(Photo and Obituary via Pickering & Son Funeral Home)
I’m very sorry to hear this. Henry was such a nice man