Henry A. Mund's Obituary
Henry A. Mund, Jr., age 87, of Lewes, DE passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the Country Rest Home in Greenwood, DE. He was born in Forest Hills, NY on September 30, 1925, son of the late Henry A. Mund, Sr and Edna Mund. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Alice Mund (March10, 2013).
When one sits down to write about Henry's life you could think in terms of a book: father, husband, soldier, statesman, connoisseur, a man who enjoyed people and life to its fullest. Henry was father to three children: Henry, Kate, and Lauren whom he loved and of whom he was very proud. He was husband to Alice, a beautiful and wonderful woman who was the center of his life. Significantly, Henry left us to be with Alice not long after she left us.
Henry served his country honorably in the European Theatre from 1943-1946 as a Staff Sergeant-Infantry. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was part of what is now known as the Greatest Generation. Henry's comment on the Greatest Generation was "I was getting drafted and I fought like hell just to stay alive, there was not a damn thing great about it". That comment alone shows how great both Henry and the generation were.
He would later attend Syracuse University, graduating in 1951 with a B.A. Degree in Civil Engineering Sociology and he also attended New York University, Graduate School for one year studying Sociology. Henry served as Councilman and Chairman on the East Hampton Town Board between 1964 and 1973 and as Executive Assistant to the Speaker and Minority Leader of the New York Assembly, Perry Duryea, in Albany, NY from 1966 to 1979. Henry worked in the political arena a good portion of his life and made things happen in government and believed in the rights of people, and that is being a statesman. He held positions of Vice President for Marketing & Business Development at Greenman Pedersen Engineering and Senior Vice President and Long Island Regional Director at Empire State Development, all in the private sector but utilizing his governmental capabilities throughout.
Now in regards to Henry being a connoisseur and enjoying people one is reminded of the story of the young boy visiting the mall with his grandfather. The boy gets separated. A security officer asks the boy "What's your Granddad like?" to which the boy replies "beautiful women and good vodka". Henry never met a stranger. He could run into people he knew in whatever country or state he happened to be in. He enjoyed boats, the sea, sunsets, sunrises and most of all friends. We shall miss him terribly, but he will always be with us, his family and friends, in every sunrise sparkling on the waters that herald in a new day and teem with life and hope for a new generation. He would say "Don't mourn me, but celebrate life".
Mr. Mund is survived by his son Henry A. Mund III and wife Nancy of Alna, ME; his two daughters: Kate L. Mund of Amagansett, NY and Lauren L. Mund of Lewes, DE; three grandsons: Daniel Mund and wife Lindsey, Nathan Mund and Travis Loschen; his brother-in law: James Hill and wife Lorraine and their children: Marsha Hopping, Charles Hill and Peter Hill.
A Graveside Service for both Henry and Alice Mund will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Cooper Lane, East Hampton, NY. An afternoon tea will follow at the LVIS, 95 Main Street, East Hampton in honor of Alice and happy hour at the American Hotel, Sag Harbor, NY from 5-6:00 PM in honor of Henry.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National World War II Museum, PO Box 97336, Washington, DC 20090-7336.
Please sign Mr. Mund's online guestbook at this site.
PDF Printable Version
What’s your fondest memory of Henry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Henry?
Share a story where Henry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Henry you’ll never forget.
How did Henry make you smile?