Henry Eugene Shinol

Henry Eugene Shinol, 83, passed away October 30, 2023 in Springfield, Virginia. He was born in Passaic, New Jersey on July 31, 1940. Henry (Hank) is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Loretta, and by his sons John and Paul and their spouses Lorrie and Rebecca. He also leaves behind four adult grandchildren Stephen, Andrew, Leah and Megan (Brandon). Hank is preceded in death by his brother John and his daughter Laura.

He was raised first in Jersey City and then Cedar Grove, New Jersey and married Loretta on June 30, 1962. Hank served in the Air Force for 26 years before retiring as a Colonel in 1988. Together, Hank and Loretta, raised their family while moving with the military through locations in Texas, California, New York, Florida, Virginia and Nebraska before settling in Northern Virginia. Hank worked in the defense industry for another ten years based in Virginia with regular trips to California.

Hank enjoyed sports and family his entire life. Growing up, he was a star athlete in basketball and baseball. He also learned to excel at golf and fishing during his youth. He enjoyed these activities throughout his life with family and friends, including fly fishing as recently as May and golfing until six weeks ago.

Hank also had a passion for bonsai that blossomed over the last thirty years. It gave him an avenue to channel his vision, focus and precision to create living masterpieces.

There will be a memorial service for Hank at 11:00 am on November 10, 2023 at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, Virginia 22152. A reception will follow. To honor his service to our country, he will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a yet determined date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Hank’s name to Project Healing Waters at www.projecthealingwaters.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the Shinol family.