Robert "Bob" S Henion Jr.

On October 17, 2024, Robert “Bob” S. Henion, Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and community member, passed away at home after a battle with colon cancer. He was seventy-eight. Born to Robert S. Henion Sr and Dorothea A. Dooley Henion in Poughkeepsie, NY, Bob graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, NY, where he played the trumpet his daughter still plays (also at Dutchess Community College, where he learned to play French Horn from Roger Thorpe). Bob, like his son Rob, was a proud Eagle Scout. Bob earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida, then earned his Masters in Speech Therapy from the College of Saint Rose (NY) and a Masters of Public Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.

He worked for Dutchess County BOCES in New York from 1972 to 1991 as a speech therapist and was active in NEA. After his move to Florida, Bob had several careers, including teaching high school speech in the West Palm Beach school district. He also ran the Lollipop Tree which was a candy florist franchise business with his wife; the business won new business of the year in 1992 in West Palm Beach, FL.

He was proud of being a REALTOR with Real Estate Champions. He also did property management with his company with his wife, Coastal Ventures.

Bob was active in the community throughout his life. From his church service roles in his youth in the Hopewell Junction, NY area (He almost became a priest), to being President of the Millbrook Lions Club in the 1980s when construction began on the Millbrook Band Shell (he did some of the building of the bandshell), Bob made an impact on the community. In Florida, Bob served on myriad committees including active membership in Florida Civic organizations. Volunteer work included: President of the Sand Key Civic Association, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in both Clearwater, Florida and Dunedin, FL, appointed member to TBARTA Citizens Advisory Committee as the representative from Pinellas County, Dunedin representative for Forward Pinellas Citizens Advisory Committee and he served as Commissioner of the Dunedin Housing Authority.

Bob had various interests including old cars (he was adept at identifying cars) and he was known for his button-down shirts featuring cars. He also enjoyed gardening and landscaping his home, sometimes partnering with his probably not-yet +-fully horticulturally skilled (during his time in NY) daughter. His lifelong love of Mac n cheese, coffee, and more coffee is well documented. Bob also loved when he could cook for his family. Additionally, he was an avid cyclist who loved the Pinellas Trail.

He loved his family, including his grandson Dane.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Donna L. Bowman of Dunedin, FL, children: daughter Jennifer E. Henion of Hyde Park, NY, and son Robert S. Henion III of Poughkeepsie, NY, stepchildren: Dena Dahlquist of Safety Harbor, FL, Dustin Dahlquist (Megan) of Parrish, FL and Daniel Dahlquist of Clearwater, FL and grandson Dane Dahlquist of Parrish, FL along with nieces and nephews including godchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The American Heart Association and Dunedin Cares.