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John K. Henne, 88, of Titusville, Pa., died peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, at his home in Lynchburg, Va., where he had been living with his life-long friend, Todd Olsen, and Todd’s loving family.
Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, Titusville, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the First Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Barry E. Cressman, officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Mr. Henne was born May 5, 1924, in Titusville, to George M. and Jeanette Kraffert Henne. Mr. Henne was a descendant of Jonathan Titus, for whom Titusville is named.
A graduate of Loomis Chafee Preparatory, John earned a sociology degree from Haverford College in 1947 and a second degree (teaching) from Edinburgh University. He taught seventh- and eighth-grade English and served as varsity golf coach in the Titusville public school for 17 years. John remains revered by countless students from whom he expected great things and for whom he opened new worlds beyond Titusville.
In 2007, John was awarded an honorary doctor of education degree from Lynchburg College in Virginia in recognition of his generous and loyal support of Lynchburg College athletic programs and his continuing dedication and commitment to the education and enrichment of young people.
John Henne traveled the world, enjoying life-long friendships in all corners of the globe. However, no matter how far his travels took him, his heart and passion remained centered at 332 W. Oak St., his childhood home, in the city he revered. In addition to travel, John was passionate about cars, the faster the better.
John shared his love for Titusville through life-long support of countless Titusville-based organizations that benefited from his financial support and personal vision. He was a benefactor to more than 60 charities, including the Titusville Hospital, University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, Penn State The Behrend College, Clarion University, Haverford College, Lynchburg College and the Drake Well Museum, which honors the world’s first oil well.
Through philanthropy, John combined his passion for global travels and education. He was especially proud of the John Henne Study Abroad Endowment at Penn State The Behrend College, which helps support deserving students who wish to study internationally. He also started the John Henne Scholarship program for students from the Titusville school district who wish to continue their education after high school.
John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by an adopted son, Auggie; and his brother Joe Henne. John is survived by nieces, nephews, his first cousin, Nancy Kraffert Russo and her husband Dr. Francis R. Russo, and the family of his life-long friend, Todd Olsen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Drake Well Museum.
Online condolences may be made at www.garrettfuneralhomeinc.com.
