Henry R. De Hart

Henry Ross De Hart was born on November 11, 1931 on Staten Island, NY, the third child and only son of Clarence and Edith De Hart. He was raised in the family home on Harrison Avenue in Port Richmond, where he attended school, graduating from Port Richmond High School in 1950.

Henry took up the cello and bass in high school and after graduation joined a number of semi-professional orchestras on Staten Island, while also attending college. He interrupted his schooling to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1952. In the Air Force he trained as an aircraft jet engine mechanic, receiving the National Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. In 1956 he left active duty and entered the Air Force Reserve where he served until his honorable discharge in 1960.

Upon leaving active service Henry returned to college and graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1958. After receiving his degree in Civil Engineering, he joined the New York City Department of Traffic. He served New York City as a traffic engineer for almost 35 years in various positions, going on to become the Chief of Highway Design. In January 1993 he retired from the New York City Department of Transportation, Bureau of Traffic as its Director of Engineering.

A life-long Episcopalian, Henry was a devoted servant of the church. He grew up attending the Church of the Ascension in Port Richmond where he was an acolyte. After moving his family to Queens in 1970, he became a member of St. Gabriel’s Church in Hollis where he served in many capacities, including as Warden, Vestry member, Treasurer, Chalice Bearer, Lay Reader, Sunday School Teacher, Acolyte-in-Charge and member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. He received the Bishop’s Medal from the Diocese of Long Island and was awarded the Citation for Faithful Service from the Queens Federation of Churches for his service at St. Gabriel’s.

Following long-standing family tradition, he was very active in civic life and served as president of the Staten Island Branch of the NAACP from 1963 to 1964. He was also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the American Legion. He took an interest in community life and liberally volunteered his time and talents. He enjoyed opera and classical music, and was an avid Mets fan, bowler and reader.

Henry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Panzy Hawk De Hart, his sister Carol Williams, son Henry Ross De Hart, Jr., daughter Linda Ann De Hart, niece and goddaughter Gayle Williams-Brett, numerous cousins and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations may be made in Henry's memory to St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Hollis, Queens.