Henry Ashworth

Henry Ashworth passed peacefully at his home in Westport, Massachusetts on February 21, 2025 at the age of 103. Henry was born in Fall River, MA in 1921 to George and Grace Ashworth and first came to Westport in 1932. He spent summers in the home his father, George Ashworth, built in 1937 on Atlantic Avenue. In 1969, he purchased his own home on Howland Road in Westport.

His long relationship with Ed and Ethel Phinney ultimately led to a marriage to their daughter, Susan. They married, a first for both in 1989. They spent many years of their lives together traveling the world; enjoying incredible adventures and friends well into Henry’s nineties.

Henry has mourned Susan’s absence since her unexpected death in July, 2023. Susan loved golf and was very generous in her philanthropy and was grateful for her family and friends. Henry and Susan hosted a Labor Day party each year for neighbors and friends. They were active members of the Acoaxet Club with Henry being a past president.

Henry was a graduate of Harvard, class of 1944 and was able to attend his (and Harvard’s first) 80th reunion in May, 2024.

Henry served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and was a B17 navigator in Brazil. While serving in Brazil, Henry aided in finding the location of the new capital of the country, Brasilia.

From 1947 until his retirement in 1989, Henry worked for Ashworth Bros Inc., a company originally in the textile machinery business based in Fall River and co-founded by his grandfather in the 1890’s. Henry’s positions over his tenure at Ashworth included Clerk, Treasurer, President, and for many years, Chairman of the Board. Henry served on the board of directors of Ashworth from 1959 until his passing.

Henry also served as a hospital trustee over the years and has given generously to many causes during his lifetime, including the Westport Land Conservation Trust. Henry also was an avid fisherman in the waters off Westport.

With the dependable, kind care of his dedicated caregivers he was able to remain in his home until the end of his life.

While Henry had no children of his own, he has nurtured and cared for his nephews J. William (Bill) Cummings and George Ashworth Cummings, sons of his sister, Louise Ashworth Cummings, and their spouses and several great nieces and a great nephew as well as great great nieces and nephews.

On Saturday, April 12th, a private interment will be held graveside for Henry and Susan. This will be followed by a memorial service for Henry at 11:00 AM and a Celebration of Life reception for Henry and Susan at the Acoaxet Club, 152 Howland Rd., Westport, MA, which will honor their lifelong commitment to Westport and the community of friends they have so enjoyed.