Obituary of Jeffrey B. Henriques, Jr.

Jeffrey Barlow Henriques, Jr., 89, of New Milford, CT, passed away on February 2, 2024, after living for many years with Parkinson’s Disease. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Jeff was born on July 14, 1931, in Pelham, NY, the oldest son of Jeffrey and Gloria (Ros) Henriques.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Williams College in 1955, Jeff took a job at Vick Chemical. For most of his career he worked for himself at JBH Sales Corp. While at Vick he met the love of his life, Kathryn (Kate) Loeber. Jeff and Kate were married on September 28, 1957. 

Jeff was a loving husband and a devoted father to his children: Jeff (Laurie Frost), George (Kristen), Laura (Alan Colburn), and Scott (Beverly). He cherished his role as grandfather to Reuben (Dana Pardee), Simon, Max, Allison, Alex, and Jessica.

Jeff got his first tennis racket at age 10 during a family vacation in Homestead, Virginia. He loved the wooden racket and fell in love with the game. Tennis became a lifelong passion. He continued to play regularly after his diagnosis and well into his eighties. 

Jeff's facility with numbers led him to serve as treasurer for a number of organizations including his sons’ scout troops, Larchmont Avenue Church, Valley Presbyterian Church, and the Hudson River Presbytery. A devout Presbyterian, Jeff served on every church committee imaginable. He also served a stint as Clerk of Session; taught Sunday school; was a youth group leader; supervised youth mission trips and service projects; and, in his later years, sang in the church choir.

Jeff had a deep appreciation for classical music and opera. His favorite musical was West Side Story. He enjoyed collecting paperweights and learning about wine, hobbies that gave him untold hours of pleasure. He and Kate traveled extensively around the country and the world, as a couple and in the company of their many lifelong friends. An avid card player, he enjoyed bridge, poker, cribbage, and gin rummy – playing (and winning!) until the very end.

Jeff will be remembered and admired for his integrity, strong work ethic, and dedication to family. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity and kindness. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Jeff is survived by his siblings, Peter (Marlene), Glo, and Judy (Chas), as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces. 

Jeff’s life was enriched by the countless people who reached out to him and Kate and cared for them in so many different ways over the years. The family has been humbled by your love and kindness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 9, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Brookfield Funeral Home (786 Federal Road, Brookfield). A memorial service to honor and celebrate Jeff's life will be held at Valley Presbyterian Church (21 West Whisconier Road, Brookfield, CT, 06804) on Saturday, February 10, at 4:30 p.m. A reception will be held at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s memory may be made to Valley Presbyterian Church or your favorite charity.