Paul J. Henson Sr.

Paul J. Henson Sr., 93, of Port Richey, Florida, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the age of 93. Born in Syracuse, New York, Paul resided in Mattydale for most of his life and was the son of the late Henry and Catherine Henson. He was a graduate of North Syracuse High School in 1950 and earned an associate's degree from Empire State College. Paul joined the US Navy at the age of 17 and served during the Korean War.

Paul worked as an investigator with the NYS Department of Social Services, retiring in 1998 after 21 years of service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who also found joy in woodworking. Paul summered at a camp in Lorton Lake near Altmar since 1983. Following his retirement, he and his wife, Peg, maintained a home in Port Richey, Florida. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. A longtime communicant of St. Margaret's Church in Mattydale, Paul served as a Lector, a Eucharistic Minister to the sick, a money counter, and President of their Holy Name Society. Paul's legacy is cherished by those who knew him as a wonderful father and husband, whose kindness touched everyone he met.

In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his siblings, Jean Rice, Henry and James Henson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, the former Margaret (Hayes); their children: Paul (Leslie) Henson Jr. of Parish, Kathleen ( Edward) Lynch of Raleigh, NC, Edward (Jennifer) Henson of Glenmont, Robert (Charlotte) Henson of Fulton and Timothy (Becky) Henson of Camillus; a brother, Michael Henson of North Syracuse; a sister, Margaret Hayes of Altmar; ten grandchildren: Renee Burgess, James Lynch, Jessica Schatzel, Kelly Lynch, Courtney Distefano, Nathan Henson, Brandon Henson, Mary Lynch, Audrey Henson, and Shen Henson; and; three great grandchildren: Warren Schatzel, Henry Schatzel, and Moorea Burgess-Seymour; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Margaret’s Food Pantry, 200 Roxboro Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211.

Friends may call from 12:30 – 1 pm at St. Margaret’s Church in Mattydale on Tuesday, April 14, with a Mass following at 1:00 PM.