Allen Dale Henry
Allen Dale Henry, age 70, of Springwater, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at UR Noyes Health in Dansville, surrounded by the love of his family.
Al was born on September 25, 1955, in Fort Carson to the late John D. and Helen (Richards) Henry. After moving to Livonia, NY, he later earned his GED and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army at the end of the Vietnam War, a chapter of his life he held with pride.
In his younger years, Al worked in construction, where he built not only structures but lasting friendships. He eventually retired from Hammond & Irvin Inc. as a steel machinist after many dedicated years. Never one to sit still, Al followed his passion for the outdoors and in 2020, after having a double lung transplant, he proudly opened “Bait Mast‘r,” a local bait shop that quickly became a gathering place for fellow sportsmen and friends. Yet of all the titles he carried in his lifetime, none meant more to him than “Grampy.”
Al was truly larger than life. He seemed to know everyone—and if by chance he didn’t, he would soon change that with a firm handshake, a warm smile, and an easy conversation. Generous to a fault, Al was always the first to lend a hand, offer advice, or share a story. His family describes him as selfless, hardworking, and loyal.
He was a proud member of the Springwater Rod & Gun Club and served as Vice Commander of the Springwater American Legion, where he continued his commitment to fellow veterans and his community.
The outdoors was where Al felt most at home. An avid hunter of all game, an experienced fisherman, and a skilled trapper, he found peace in the woods and on the water. Al and his beloved wife, Deborah, shared a love of travel and adventure. Together, they made countless memories camping, spending time at their home in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, enjoying their timeshare in Cape Cod, and summering in the Outer Banks. They treasured days spent boating, taking rides on the Kubota, and simply being together. Al was also a collector of many things, but what he treasured most was time with his family.
Above all, Al was a devoted family man. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating each of their accomplishments and milestones with boundless enthusiasm. Being a grandfather and great-grandfather brought him immeasurable joy, and the love he poured into his family will remain his greatest legacy.
In addition to his parents, John and Helen, Al was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Henry.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Babbitt Henry, with whom they blended a large family; his children: Kristen (Gary) Pelot, Tanya (Floyd) Buchanan, Timothy Kuhblank, Michelle Rumble, Jennifer (Colin) Reid, Jeffery (Christina) Every, Eileen Ciardi, George (Miriam) Gordon, Charles Thomas (Nikki) Henry, Christena Henry, Robert Marshall, Peter Henry, Trisha Henry (Matthew Dunning); his grandchildren: Corey, Victoria, Tiffany, Maya, Damein, Ayden, Dominic, Gavin, Gaven, Elaina, Alexis, Loren, Tommy Lee, Bradley, Austin, Savannah, Keira, Cohen, Dale, Anthony, Ehron, Izayah, Damien, Thatcher, Ashley Jo, Dakota, Jaxon, Gabriel, Cheyenne, Jamison, Penelope, Jasmine, Sebastian, Amy Elizabeth; his great-grandchildren: Jaclyn, Eli, Bentley, Dalton, Wesley; his siblings, John (Marie) Henry, Rhonda (Mark) Skrzypek, and Lori (Vicki) Pagan Andrews; his “brother from another mother” Jim and his “sister from a different mister” Darlene, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss him.
Friends and family are invited to call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Walter E. Baird & Sons Funeral Home in Wayland. Al’s funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the funeral home, where full military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of services. Al will be laid to rest privately at Union Cemetery in Livonia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to the Springwater American Legion, 7998 School Street, Springwater, NY 14560, in honor of Al’s enduring love for his fellow veterans and his community.