Henry Hedden

On June 23rd 2023, Henry Hedden, age 65, passed away unexpectedly at home while preparing to travel with his beloved wife Marlene to North Carolina.

Henry met his college sweetheart Marlene at Ferris State University and were later married in 1978.

Henry grew up in Randolph, NJ and graduated from Randolph High School in 1976. After College, he moved to Rockaway, NJ where he resided for 30 years.  As a child Henry shared a passion for all things related to cars with his father Earl.  This passion continued into his adult years where he collected and tinkered with cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes, or pretty much anything with wheels.  He also loved animals, the beach, and going on adventures.  One of his favorite things was to take Marlene to the New Jersey shore, have a Kohr’s ice cream on the boardwalk, and then find a restaurant off the beaten path.  Later he shared these passions with his children and grandchildren. In addition to the beach, Henry shared his love for cooking with his daughter Erin. They would often be in the kitchen crafting up new recipes, where his primary responsibility was official taste tester.  He also loved to dance and would dance around the house with Erin standing on his feet. With his son, Jason, they shared a love for cars and dirt bikes. You would often find them riding down by the river behind the NJ house or going on trips to PA and NY exploring different trails and race tracks.  They also loved hanging out in the garage or basement playing pool and/or talking about the various car projects most notably his 67 Mustang.

Henry was a driven and honorable self-starter.  He started his first business, Accurate Auto Body in Dover, NJ.  He then moved on to manage Grecco Auto Body before transitioning to Ford Motor Credit Company. Henry cared about all he worked with, and would often check in on them periodically even after changing businesses. He loved meeting new people and forming relationships.  This was one of his passions.  This led to him beginning a new venture, H&H Cornwell Tools.  He initially built a successful route in NJ, before moving to Scotia, NY where he successfully built a second route.  Many of his customers became close friends, with whom he shared his passions of cars, tools, target shooting and riding motorcycles.  

Henry was predeceased by his father Earl Hedden and mother Helen Hedden. 

Family he left behind are his wife Marlene Hedden and their two children Erin Paolozzi (husband Jeff Paolozzi) and Jason Hedden (wife Melissa). He was blessed with four grandchildren, Ethan and Owen Paolozzi, and Bryce and Kaylee Hedden. Henry was the eldest of three children, leaving behind his sister Nancy Filipponi and brother Roger Hedden, their spouses and children. 

Henry’s dream was to retire with his beloved wife in North Carolina, where he would restore his 67 Mustang to its former glory, and enjoy the beach and future adventures.  He couldn't contain his excitement each time they traveled south to North Carolina.

Henry was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

Final services will be held on Saturday July 1st, 2023 at:

Bekkering Ellis Funeral Home

1 Mohawk Ave

Scotia, NY 12302

Viewing: 2-4pm

Service: 4pm

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