Vincent Christian Henrich III

That is how one former colleague and long-time friend described Vincent C. Henrich III, who sadly left us all too soon to join his Creator on July 8th, 2026.

Born on May 24, 1954, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Vince was welcomed into this world by his loving parents, Vincent C. Henrich Jr. and Valerie E. Henrich, who both predeceased him, as did his infant brother, David James Henrich. He is survived by the love of his life, Kristine Reiger; his loving siblings, brother Gary (Linda) Henrich and sister Jenny (David) Burns; his adoring nieces and nephews Melanie (Jeff) Milhoan, Eric (Kim) Burns, Evan (Liz) Henrich, Andy (Brittany) Burns, Larissa Henrich, Laura Burns, and Steven Henrich; as well as six grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Vince's life was full of academic and professional achievements. After graduating from high school in Vandalia, Ohio, he went on to the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1976 with the original intent of going to medical school. However, an interest in genetics, first sparked by a book received as a childhood gift, shifted his career path. He earned a PhD in Genetics from The Ohio State University in 1982. After graduation, he went on to work in labs at Brandeis University in Boston, MA, and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. His research concerned how genes can control behavior, using simple organisms as test subjects and cutting-edge genetic techniques. This early work formed the foundation of how Vince thought about the role of genes in human development and disease throughout his career and even into retirement. He never stopped thinking about how our genes influence who we are, individually.

In 1990, he moved to the University of North Carolina–Greensboro (UNCG) as an assistant professor. He eventually rose to become Director of the Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Health Research, a position he held until his retirement in 2016.

Research in Vince’s laboratory was closely integrated with student training. Undergraduate and graduate students participated directly in experimental design, molecular analysis, and publication of research findings. Many former students continued their education in graduate or professional programs or pursued careers in biotechnology, medicine, and academic research.

Vince taught Genetics throughout most of his career at UNCG. He expected students to understand the logic behind genetic analysis rather than simply memorize facts, and he introduced many biology majors to molecular genetics through this course. He also secured support from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to modernize instructional laboratories and served the Center as a grant reviewer.

Vince also contributed to several initiatives beyond his own research program. He helped develop UNCG’s Master’s Program in Genetic Counseling, recognizing the growing role of genetics in clinical practice. The program has prepared genetic counselors for more than two decades and remains one of the University’s important graduate programs in the health sciences.

Vince continued his work in retirement and in 2020 he co-authored a book to help medical professionals make better use of patients' health histories in treating disease — a passion of his after he suffered a serious stroke in 2013. Unfortunately, his second book, which endeavored to put his observations on genetics into layman's terms in the hope of fostering a more accurate awareness of the role genetics plays in our lives, will remain unfinished.

As impressive and even awe-inspiring as Vince's academic and professional achievements were, they were not what made him "Vince." He had varied interests that allowed him to have conversations with anyone, and he never met a stranger.

Thanks to a mom who wanted all her children to learn to play an instrument, Vince played the violin from a young age and, of course, excelled at it, winning medals and accolades during his youth. When the school orchestra dwindled in size, he shifted to band, where he easily picked up the natural successor to the violin — the tuba! He never took a formal lesson, yet he excelled at that as well and also taught himself to be a highly skilled piano player. His love of music never ceased; he had an extensive music collection and participated in university and community groups until lack of time and the effects of his stroke made it impossible. Undeterred, he was content to play his piano at home.

Vince was an avid tennis player, and as a mostly self-taught player, he competed for his high school, winning awards and tournaments, and continued to play in summer leagues during college. When time allowed him to participate again, he was an active member of the Sherwood Swim and Racquet Club in Greensboro, where he joyfully spent many evenings and weekends prior to his stroke.

His love of sports carried over to golf, which afforded him the opportunity to play more for fun with family and friends (although he was above average in this too!). He helped organize an extended family reunion golf scramble in 1986 that produced oft-repeated and hilarious tales that live on to this day. The annual Summit Rotary golf weekend was a highlight for Vince, whether he played or simply rode his golf cart around the course to encourage (i.e. harass) the participants. As a spectator, his favorite teams were the Carolina Hurricanes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He attended many games at each venue, and one of his greatest joys was attending games himself or sending others to them. The Hurricanes' recent Stanley Cup victory was a timely gift for Vince, and he and his Caniac friends cheered and agonized over every goal scored both for and against.

Vince was also a creative soul, finding joy in art, gardening, and, in recent years, home design and decor. His white stucco home, fondly named "Casablanca," was surrounded by beautiful cacti and roses that he nurtured with care, inspired by his fascination with American Southwest landscapes. Inside, no detail was too small — from arches to flooring to pottery and kitchen design. Everything had a southwest feel. His fascination with the Southwest and with Indigenous American peoples and their art was born of his years growing up in Albuquerque, NM, as well as a youth church group mission trip to Arizona during high school. His love for the culture was evident as he journeyed with friends to visit national parks centered on their history, and for many years he talked about retiring to the Southwest. When family and friends kept him in the East, he pursued the dream of building his own home and brought the Southwest to Greensboro instead. But most of all, Vince's home was a testament to his desire to make it feel welcoming and alive — much like the atmosphere he created for his guests. Memories of his Casablanca parties will live on!

But probably the most extraordinary thing about this accomplished, brilliant man was his kind, servant's heart, and positive, grateful nature. After a serious and debilitating stroke 13 years ago that robbed him of his ability to participate in music and sports, he never complained or asked, "why me?" His recovery was long and arduous, and he inspired those who were rehabbing alongside him, and he treated his caregivers with appreciation, kindness, and cheer throughout. He did not allow his physical impairments to get in the way of laughing or serving others, especially through the Summit Rotary Club. Vince was a proud and passionate member since 2005, serving as president from 2019–2020 and managing to keep the club on track during COVID. He was instrumental in developing the mentorship portion of the McKnight Scholar Program because he wanted to help young people who came from families with little knowledge of college and modest means, just like he did. Vince was a Rotary Benefactor, Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society member, Polio Plus Promise supporter, and Sustaining Member. He was inspired by weekly speakers and would take action to meet the needs of the community. He passed away with a car full of hygiene and basic essential packets that he had assembled himself, ready to give to anyone he encountered while out in the community. His work with Rotary was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others — a testament to his generous and compassionate heart. And if you want to hear about his “off his rocker” side, his friends will share tales of parties and socials where Vince always brought much laughter.

Vince's presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, humor, generosity, and dedication to helping others will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to one of three charities near and dear to Vince:

• Summit Rotary Club McKnight Scholar Program (note that it will go to the general fund but then be earmarked)

• Vincent C. and Valerie E. Henrich Scholarship for the University of Notre Dame (established upon Vince's passing)

• The Nature Conservancy

A memorial service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro at noon on Monday, July 27th, with a visitation time immediately following the service in the Mullin Life Center. Vince would not want this to be a somber occasion — please consider wearing some bright colors of the Southwest in his honor.