Herbert Henken, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at Orchard Cove in Canton, MA, on September 20, 2026. Born on March 28, 1932, in Boston, MA, Herb was the cherished son of Samuel and Rose Henken. Throughout his 94 years, Herb embodied kindness, integrity, wisdom, and a deep love for his family, friends, and community.
Herb was preceded in death by his loving wife, Charlene Henken, his parents, Samuel and Rose, and his brother, Marvin. Together, and despite significant health-related adversity, Herb and Charlene built a beautiful life, raising their two devoted sons, Richard and Robert. His legacy is further carried on by his daughters-in-law, Gabrielle and Barrie.
A proud grandfather to six, Herbert adored Julia (and her husband Richard Kelly), Danny (and his wife Rachael), Sam (and his wife Katie), Ben, Brooke, and Blaire. He delighted in the role of great-grandfather to Rozzie and Mickey.
Herb's life was marked by his generous and selfless spirit and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, community, and country. A U.S. Army veteran, Herb spent countless hours throughout his life volunteering for his congregation in Newton, MA, and, for the past 10 years, leading the minion and serving an instrumental role in the scholarship fund at Orchard Cove. A true mensch, he will be dearly missed by all who had the opportunity to experience his generosity, altruism, and humor.
A service to honor Herb's life will be held on September 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, 475 Washington Street, in Canton, with burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park. Family and friends are then invited to celebrate a life well-lived at Orchard Cove immediately following funeral and burial proceedings until 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Herb’s memory to Orchard Cove, located at 1 Del Pond Drive, in Canton, MA (02021). This gesture will honor Herbert's legacy and support a place that meant so much to him.
