Rotarians are active, outgoing people.
And no Rotarian was more active or outgoing than John Hendrickson.
The longtime Westport Sunrise Rotary Club member — and former president == died last month, after a struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 81.
John Hendrickson
For many years, John chaired the Sunrise Rotary’s annual wine tasting fundraiser. When he asked you to help — or buy a ticket — it was impossible to resist.
He served as treasurer of the club’s 21st Century Foundation. He was also Area 2 assistant governor and district governor coordinator.
John was a Paul Harris Society Member and Fellow, among the highest Rotary International honors.
John was also involved in Westport soccer. He was particularly proud of his sons Jon and Matthew’s Staples High School careers.
John — a Brooklyn native who moved to Norwalk, after many years in Westport — is survived by Carole, his wife of 44 years; his sons; his daughter-in-law Dagmara, and his grandchild Maisie. He was predeceased by his brother Bryan Matthew Hendrickson.
A celebration of John’s life will take place at a later date.
The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.” That was John Hendrickson.
So sad to learn of John’s passing. Working with John back in the day it was “work hard/play hard”. I owe my career to John as he pulled me out of radio production and into print many years ago. I’m still in it albeit digital now, and always think back to those beginnings with fond memories. And thanks to John for introducing me to mayo on my fries! God bless you John, may you Rest In Peace. 🙏
Here’s my John Hendrickson story: He was the first person I ever saw using a cell phone. He was pacing back and forth at the top of the Staples High School soccer field hill, talking into what looked like a brick. “Why would anyone want that?!” I wondered.
John was a brother in the Westport Masonic Lodge, Temple Lodge NO. 65
As Carole knows, John was my very best friend for 50 years. He personally groomed me (perhaps shaped me over time is moe appropriate) and morphed over years of brotherhood, sharing, caring and FUN Into the “personna” that he helped mold. I’m proud of that. Only Carole and my wife Nancy could fully understand and appreciate that fact.
John osmosed to become a valued member of our family (and our pretty broad circle of friends in Mpls), and he was a dear “uncle” to our 3 sons as they grew up.
John and I spoke at least twice a week over 50 years. I cannot tell you how much I regret his loss and how emotional I feel for John’s family and all the many friends who will miss him as much as
Nancy, our sons and I.
John, we were blessed to have you touch our lives!
Tom Tussing
I don’t think I ever knew John was originally from Brooklyn. My condolences to his family.
It is very hard to say goodbye to my husband & best friend. John was always upbeat despite his illness. He had such a positive attitude & refused to get Parkinson’s bring him down. He just recently celebrated his 81st birthday & I felt that I was married to a celebrity. He was so excited that so many of his friends remembered his birthday. I cannot imagine life without him. Our grandchild Maisie always asks where Gramps is & I keep telling her he is looking down on his little Angel & even though he is not physically with us he will always be a big part of our lives. Rest In Peace my dear husband until we are together again.
Your loving wife,
Carole