Claud Simon Henry was born on October 29, 1930 in San Juan, Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, to the late Richardson C. and Thomasine (Lazama) Henry. He attended school at St. Mary’s College in Port of Spain, Trinidad from 1946 to 1949.  Soon thereafter, Claud emigrated to Canada, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College in 1962. He later graduated from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, with a Master of Science degree, in 1966. Claud spent many years as a teacher of Earth Science in the New York City public school system, retiring as a junior high school teacher at JHS 149 in the Bronx, New York.

In August 1957, Claud married the love of his life, Joan Mitchell, and enjoyed 52 years of marriage before her passing in 2010. Together, they lived a very full life for over 50 years in Mount Vernon, New York. Claud and Joan hosted many family gatherings at their home, especially for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve (or Old Year’s Night). When relatives from Trinidad or elsewhere came to New York – whether to visit or for a more permanent stay – they were always welcome at the house in Mount Vernon. Ever the teacher, Claud helped family from abroad to acclimate to, and get to know, his adopted country. When needed, he often stepped in as the “substitute dad” for the next generation.

Claud enjoyed many different interests. He and Joan loved to travel, visiting more than 70 countries, states, and cities. They used to say they were “sightseeing” when they wandered away from a tour group looking for new and interesting adventures.  Claud was also a big sports fan, especially football (American and international) and lawn tennis. Consistent with his native land, his favorite music was calypso, especially songs by Sparrow, Shadow, Lord Kitchener, David Rudder, and Calypso Rose, and he deeply appreciated the melodies of steelpan music. Always active, he particularly enjoyed swimming at the local YMCA. He was a leader in the Boy Scouts and an active member of the Neighborhood Block Association in Mount Vernon.

Claud’s commitment to family, public service, and civic engagement derived from his strong and deep relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a lector at St. Ursula Church in Mount Vernon, New York, and later participated in weekly Bible study at St. Catharine’s Church in Pelham, New York. Claud’s travels included many pilgrimages with his church communities. He regularly watched religious programming on the Eternal World Television Network (EWTN), known for its Catholic-themed shows. In addition, he was a long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus, Pelham Council #4413, and was elevated to the 4th Degree Assembly. In the face of life’s challenges and tragedies, Claud’s enduring faith sustained him until his final days.

Claud departed his earthly home to be at home with his Lord on August 17, 2023. Claud is predeceased by his beloved wife Joan; his youngest daughter Karen; his siblings Patrick, Philip, Horace, Theresa, Richardson, Flora, and Kenneth; and his siblings-in-law Randolph, Yvonne, and Hilton. Carrying his loving memory are his children Alan, Richard, and Ann; granddaughter Isabella; siblings Murchison, Robert, Thomas, Monica, and George; siblings-in-law Malvery, Esla, Marion, Woslyn and Marva; cousins of the Gibbs and Lezama families; as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, godchildren, friends, colleagues, and many others who respected and loved him. All will miss him dearly.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

A celebration of Claud’s life will take place at Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York, on Friday, August 25th, from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church located at 575 Fowler Avenue, Pelham Manor, New York, on Saturday, August 26th, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Diabetes Association in Claud’s memory. Donate by clicking HERE.

A live stream video of the services can be found by clicking HERE.

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.