HENRY A. WERTELET, JR.

HENRY A. WERTELET, age 82, passed away peacefully at this home on February 2, 2022, after a long illness.

Henry was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Sarah (Wilson) and Henry C. Wertelet Sr.

Henry attended school in Pittsburgh, PA and at the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Airforce and served 8 years. He served his first 4 years as an instrument technician in Strategic Air Command. Finishing his final 4 years in the computer field as a service tech at Radar Installations. After leaving the Airforce he worked as a service engineer for RCA, retiring in 2001 from Sperry Unisys. He had a small computer company called Spectrum Computer serving many businesses in the area.

Henry loved boating and enjoyed many years of camping on an island in the Connecticut River with his beloved grandson Will and friends.

Henry had an adventurous spirit.  He enjoyed white water rafting and attending air shows in Rhinebeck, NY where he took many rides in the antique planes. He followed sports, especially football, having played football in school. He loved his Goldwing motorcycle and rode for over 40 years. Henry became an honorary member of the Blue Knights and rode many escorts.

Other than his parents, Henry is predeceased by his daughter Melodie Rose Wertelet, and his brother Harry Wertelet. 

Henry leaves his wife of 63 years, Rosemary (Lafond) Wertelet of Westfield, MA, his sons, William Wertelet of Blandford, MA, and Michael Wertelet of Westfield, MA, his daughter, Rebecca Paquette and her husband Anthony of Hamden, MA, his sister Mercedes Debor and her husband Dan of Pittsburgh, PA,  his granddaughter Christian Hathaway of St. Cloud, FL, his grandson William Wertelet of Gardner, MA, his great-granddaughter Amelia Wertelet of Barre, MA, his step-granddaughter Audrey Raposa of Barre, MA, and his sister-in-law Ruth Wertelet of Pittsburgh, PA along with other family members and friends. 

A special thanks to Excel Nursing Service of Wilbraham, MA, Baystate Hospice, and Westfield Police and Ambulance for their help at this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

All services are private for the family only. Burial with full military honors will be held at a later date at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. 

Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC, 691 College Hwy, Southwick, MA is assisting the family with end-of-life arrangements.  To express condolences, share memories, or photos please visit Henry’s memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com

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