Jay C. Henry, DDS, 69, a well-known long time Emlenton resident and dentist, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Friday evening, September 6, 2019 while riding his bike along the Allegheny River Bike Trail.
Jay was born in Wilkinsburg on January 13, 1950. He was the son of the late Albert Jr. and Naomi Ruth Vollmer Henry.
Jay graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in 1967 where he was a member of the tennis club, journalism club, and capella choir just to name a few. Jay graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an undergraduate degree in 1971. During his time at Pitt, Jay was also a member of the Glee Club and tennis team. While pursuing his passion for tennis, he met his future wife, Kathleen M. Myers, at Frick Park Tennis Courts. Jay graduated from the School of Dental Medicine in 1975.
Dr. Henry and his wife, Kathy, moved to Emlenton in 1975 and purchased the Crawford House on Main Street where they opened a dental practice. Dr. Henry was highly respected and trusted by his many patients throughout a distinguished career of nearly 45 years.
Dr. Henry was a member of the Emlenton Presbyterian Church and the American Dental Society. Jay had served on Emlenton Borough Council and been instrumental in the formation of Emlenton Area Ambulance Service. For many years he coached senior league baseball in Emlenton and maintained the Emlenton ballfields. Jay maintained the bike trail in Emlenton. He had a keen interest and expertise in maintaining his aquariums in both his home and office.
Jay loved spending time outdoors, either on his bicycle or on his river boat. These activities were made even more special when his family could join him. He especially enjoyed spending time fishing with his son, “CJ” on the Allegheny River and sharing bike stories and riding bikes with his daughter, Michelle. Most of all, Jay treasured gatherings with his entire family together, especially on holidays.
Jay is survived by his wife, Kathy, whom he married at Puckety United Presbyterian Church on August 18, 1973. Also surviving are two children, Michelle Henry of Flintstone, GA and Christopher “CJ” Henry and his wife, Crystal, of State College; a granddaughter, Jaelyn Rose; two brothers-in-law, Perino Marran of Fredericktown, and Bob Myers and his wife, Sharon of Caledonia, MI, as well as several nieces.
In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by a sister, Lynn Henry Marran, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the Emlenton United Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Darryl Knopp, church pastor, officiating. Lunch and time of fellowship and remembrance will follow at Reminisce in Emlenton. Memorial contributions may be made to Allegheny Valley Trails Association, PO Box 264, Franklin, PA 16232 or The Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny, PO Box 2, Emlenton, PA 16373.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Emlenton. For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.