Sean Patrick-Kevin Henry

On September 3, 2014 in Fresno California, Sean Patrick Henry, 84, passed away following a long illness.

Born in Ballinacarrow, Co. Sligo, Ireland on June 19, 1930, Sean was a proud Irishman and had many tales to tell about growing up in Sligo during World War II. The youngest of 6 children on the farm, he had fond memories of his parents and older siblings living their lives in the very early years of the Republic. He was a fluent Gaelic speaker, having learned the language in primary school and was devoted to the promotion of the language all his life.

Sean immigrated to the United States and became a US citizen in 1960, living in the Los Angeles area before coming to the Central Valley and settling in Fresno. Sean was an active member of the local music scene and enjoyed entertaining everyone with Irish songs, playing his bodran (Irish drum), and his famous Irish charm. The pride and the joy of Sean's life was his son Paul, who was always a part of the events and Celtic festivals, even as a toddler. Sean was a devoted father and worked hard to give his son every advantage as well as a wonderful music education. Sean's final resting place will be in the family plot in Ballinacarrow, alongside his parents and grandparents. There will be no services offered in Fresno.

Sean is survived by his son Paul of Fresno, his sister Kathleen of Toronto, Canada, and brother Paul of Devon, England as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers or other remembrances, friends and family send a donation to the Fresno Folklore Society at fresnofolklore.org or Fresno Folklore Society, P.O. Box 4617, Fresno, CA 93744.

Starting on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, in celebration of Sean's life, go to

www.seanhenrymemorial.com

Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.