Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Val A. Henry (1952–2025)
His True Legacy was in the Lives he Touched
On June 30, 2025, the world lost Val Arturo Henry — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, whose life’s work was rooted in family, faith, and service.
Born in Colón, Panama, in April 1952 and raised in Brooklyn, Val carried with him a deep sense of responsibility and compassion from an early age. As the eldest of his siblings, he embraced the role of protector and guide, a mantle he wore throughout his life with strength, humility, and love.
Val’s journey took him from the classrooms of FDR High School, to Bucknell University, and later to Fordham Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor. Yet, his true legacy was never defined by degrees or titles, but by the countless lives he touched — through his work, his faith, his mentorship, and his unwavering belief in community.
To honor his memory, the Val A. Henry Legacy Scholarship Fund was established. This fund carries forward his belief that every child deserves the resources, opportunities, and encouragement to succeed — ensuring that his spirit of service and love for education lives on for generations to come.
Service & Leadership
Val A. Henry’s life was defined by service. He dedicated his gifts of leadership, wisdom, and compassion to strengthening the communities he loved, leaving behind a legacy of impact across Brooklyn and beyond.
Early in his career, Val served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Edolphus Towns, where he worked to amplify the voices of Brooklyn residents on the national stage. His ability to bridge communities and advocate for everyday people made him a trusted leader both locally and in government.
From 2017 until his passing, Val led the Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights (LDCCH) as CEO and Executive Director. Under his stewardship, the organization managed seven low-income residential developments, including three buildings dedicated to seniors and disabled residents. Beyond housing, he expanded the organization’s role as a community partner by supporting social programs that addressed health, wellness, and empowerment. His vision ensured that LDCCH remained true to its mission of providing both quality housing and community care.
Val’s faith was a guiding force in his life. At St. George’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, he served as Vice-Director of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews (Chapter 2575S) and as a Board Member of St. George’s Community Development. His spiritual leadership touched the lives of countless congregants, where he combined faith with action in service of others.
From 1999 to 2011, Val proudly served as Vice-Chair of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, Inc., supporting the Chairperson and Founder/Director in guiding the organization’s growth. Ifetayo provided after-school arts and education programs for New York City public school students, nurturing leadership and cultural pride among African and Caribbean diasporic youth. During his 12 years of service, Ifetayo earned national recognition, including the New York Times Not-for-Profit Management Award and the National Arts Award, culminating in a performance at the White House for First Lady Michelle Obama.
Val’s commitment to health equity led him to serve with the Brooklyn Diabetes Task Force, where he championed awareness and prevention in underserved communities. He also served as Chairman of the University Hospital of Brooklyn Community Advisory Board, ensuring that community voices were heard in the shaping of healthcare services.
His Greatest Achievement
While Val A. Henry accomplished much through his career and community service, his greatest joy was always his family. In 1975, he married his beloved wife, Deborah, and together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and commitment. Their marriage of fifty years was a model of partnership and devotion, one that inspired all who knew them.
Val was a proud and loving father to his children, Nia and Kairi, and a guiding presence in the lives of his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family. As a grandfather, nothing delighted him more than time with Ian, Aya, and Cairo, whose laughter and energy filled him with pride and renewed purpose. To his family, Val was not only a protector and provider but also a steady source of wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love.
Beyond his immediate family, Val embraced a larger circle of friends, colleagues, and neighbors as his own. Whether offering wise counsel, a listening ear, or a calm spirit, he created spaces where people felt supported and valued.
Closing Tribute
Val A. Henry’s life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and service. He lived with integrity, led with compassion, and loved without limits. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit continues to guide us — in every life he touched, in every community he strengthened, and in every opportunity we create in his name.
As we carry forward his vision through the Val A. Henry Legacy Scholarship Fund, we honor not only the leader he was, but the man he will always be remembered as: a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor.
His light continues to shine, not in words alone, but in the legacy of love and opportunity he leaves behind.