Peter R. Henry

Peter Roger Henry passed away October 8th, 2025, 11:45am at the age of 82 peacefully in the presence of his daughter and granddaughter in Manchester, Vermont.

Peter was born in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont on November 30, 1942 to E.H. "Al" and Ruth (Rogers) Henry and was the older brother of James W. Henry (1948-2022). Al and Ruth raised their family in Manchester, Vermont on the campus of Burr & Burton Academy where Al served as Headmaster and Ruth taught music and French. Peter later received a bachelor's degree from Middlebury, following in his father's footsteps, and then went on to attain a Master of Divinity degree from Hartford Seminary. Peter led a rich life, a true educator to his core, going on to teach the next generation of scholars as an English teacher at Watkinson School (Hartford, CT), and The Forman School (Litchfield, CT), where he later served as Headmaster. Peter lived the last 3 decades of his life in Peru and Manchester, VT. In his retirement, he was an active alumnus of Burr & Burton, an avid golfer, a coach, and theatre goer. Peter loved connecting with people, always stopping to say a hello as if time did not matter beyond the moment of a real connection. Anyone who was lucky to experience these moments appreciates how special it was to know and connect with Peter. Peter was an integral part of the Manchester community, always giving back and volunteering his time. His stories, memories, and perspective on local history reminded us all what it means to have your heart truly grounded in this life and place.

One of Peter’s greatest gifts and joys in this world was his family. He is survived by his son Peter Bert Henry, Bert's wife Jennifer Brown and "the boys" Asa and David Preli, his Daughter Rebecca Warren Henry and husband Paddy McCarthy, grandchildren Olivia Oona Henry-Corell and husband Jeffrey Egner, Kaylie Gerard and husband Andrew Gerard and son (great-grandson) Charlie Henry Gerard, Connor Henry and wife Casey Woods Henry, his brother’s wife Nancy Henry and their two children Sarah Henry and Jennifer Henry and husband Benjamin Tansel. Peter was preceded in death by his brother Jim Henry.

A funeral ceremony will be held in the spring -- details will be shared on the Brewster and Shea Funeral Home web site once they have been finalized. Peter will be buried with his father, mother, and brother at the Dellwood Cemetery in Manchester, VT. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Burr & Burton Academy in his honor.