Charles Edward Henninger

Charles E. Henninger died peacefully on November 24, 2012. His beloved wife of 59 years, Joan-Marie, and daughter Carolyn were at his side.

Charles was born on December 6, 1928 in Queens, NY. He was president the of student body at John Adams High School in 1947 where he met his bride Joan. He went to University of Georgia which he attended with a swimming scholarship graduating in 1951. At that time he won the southeastern conference for butterfly stroke and came in 11th at the Olympic trials. He served in the Air Force in mid-fifties attaining the rank of Captain. After the military he earned his master's degree at NYU in recreation. He worked for the 52 Association in Ossining, NY booking Vaudeville acts and Broadway stars for disabled war veteran's entertainment. He made life a better place for these men and loved to tell stories of the famous people he met during this time of his life. In 1962 he became director the Purchase Community house and from 1967 to 1994 he was the director of the Greenwich Civic Center in Greenwich, CT. In 1965 he volunteered at Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains and began their recreation program where he became a part-time employee and stayed for 30 years.

Charles and Joan raised their four children in Norwalk Ct, Diane, Richard, Carolyn & Thomas. They retired to Fort Collins in 1994 to be near family. Charles volunteered for Catholic Charities and was recognized on the floor of congress for his work at the Mission. He swam in the Senior Olympics winning 7 gold medals and many other silver and bronze medals (he didn't put a number on those!). Joan and Charlie traveled and had a beautiful happy full life together.

Charles is survived by his bride, Joan-Marie, son Richard, daughter Carolyn Myers (husband Don and grandson Matthew) all of Fort Collins, son Thomas (wife Heidi grandsons Zach and Nate) of Yarmouth, ME. He is preceded in death by his daughter Diane Rice.

A memorial Mass honoring Charles life will be held at Blessed John XXIII this Thursday, November 29 at 10am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Catholic Charities of Larimer County.