Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

SHAVERTOWN — At the conclusion of Scott Eduard Henry’s funeral service Monday, the Grateful Dead song “Ripple” was played on the piano.

It was a fitting tribute to Henry, who, according to his family, was a devoted “Deadhead,” having attended many concerts over the years.

And what better way to celebrate Scott Henry’s life than to feature one of the ways he celebrated life.

Henry, 60, died Thursday at home. The late Martz Group chairman’s funeral was held at St. Therese’s Church on Pioneer Avenue in Shavertown.

Son Scott Martz Henry recalled a trip to Colorado with his father to attend three days of Grateful Dead concerts at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater.

“As you might expect, we rode our motorcycles there,” Scott’s son said. “I missed a full week of school to be there, but dad didn’t mind. He told me you have to keep your priorities straight.”

That brought laughter from the crowd of 500 gathered to say farewell.

The laughter seemed to allow most of the people, especially the family, to breathe a little easier.

Henry’s two sons, Scott Martz and John, delivered a heartfelt dual eulogy, offering warm memories of their dad and just enough humor to ease the pain.

“After the last show, my motorcycle wouldn’t start,” Scott Martz said. “Dad just looked at me and, noting we only had one left to ride, said, ‘Well, I’m not riding on the back.’ That was our dad.”

Henry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Maryjane Depew Henry; daughter Brigitte Henry Cooper (Steve Cooper); son Scott Martz Henry (Erica Suitch Henry); son John Henry (fiancée Mary Kate Lambert); and daughter Jane Henry; grandchildren Caroline Cooper and Scott Martz Henry Jr.; and sister Marjorie Henry Marquart. In addition, his family includes many loving members of the Marquart, Henry, Garrity, Gooley and Depew families.

At the request of the family, there were no calling hours and interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Triangle 24 Hour Club at 9A Cherokee Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Scott and John Henry took turns telling stories about their dad, but beginning by offering sincere thanks for all who have expressed condolences to the family.

“The first days are the hardest days,” Scott said. “Thank you all for your support at this very difficult time.”

Scott said his dad packed more into his life than most, telling about his love of golf, skiing, hunting, fishing and, of course, the Grateful Dead.

“But dad loved his family more than anything,” Scott said. “He beamed with joy every time he saw his grandchildren and he was at peace when he held them in his arms. And he loved our mom — his rock, his guardian angel on earth.”

John said there are “so many memories” of dad.

“He was a father, a role model, our hero,” John said. “He was always there for all of us.”

John said his father was “always 10 steps ahead of everybody else.” He said he will always remember his dad hiding in the woods when John had a golf match.

“But I always knew he was there,” John said.

Scott said his father was “a brilliant businessman” who was great to work for.

“He valued the Martz legacy,” Scott said. “One of his favorite sayings was, ‘It takes a lot to win, but it takes more to lose.’ I am blessed to have worked with him.”

The Henry brothers said Scott always found a way to help people and he believed in giving back to the community.

“We all have so many happy years ahead of us,” Scott said. Dad would tell us that every silver lining has a touch of gray. Today is our gray, but our dad gave us all one hell of a silver lining.’

Marjorie Henry Marquart, Scott’s sister, said her brother watched over her.

“Scott has so many friends and they have stayed friends forever,” she said. And I look at Scott’s kids and I see your grandparents and I see your dad.”

Before the final blessing, “Ripple” was played on the piano. On the back of the program handed out at the funeral were the words to “Ripple,” by the Grateful Dead. The final verse goes:

“You who choose to lead must follow

But if you fall you fall alone

If you should stand then who’s to guide you?

If I knew the way I would take you home.”

Scott Henry
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_Scott-Henry-2-1.jpg.optimal.jpgScott Henry

By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.