Henry J. Cinti

September 29, 1928 – May 30, 2026

Age 97

Henry J. Cinti passed peacefully from this life on May 30, 2026, having lived an extraordinary 97 years, 8 months, and one day. Loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, cherished father-in-law and grandfather-in-law — Henry was beloved by all who knew him, and generous with his love for all he knew.

Henry is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Joanne M. Cinti; his daughter Marie (Steven Finkelstein) of Fairport, NY; his son John (Andrea Pedemonti) of Fairfield, CT; and his daughter Margaret of Watertown, CT. He was the proud grandfather of Daniel Finkelstein (Elinor), Julia Finkelstein, Sophia Cinti, and Vivian Cinti. He was also beloved by his sister-in-law Marilyn Claydon. Henry was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Cecil Cinti, who had three other children who died at or before birth. Henry was a resilient one from the beginning.

Every part of Henry’s life made a deep and profound impression on him. He was born in Newark, NY and has very fond memories of growing up there. He often visited the area, pointing out various points of interest to family members. Even at the age of 97, his memory was impeccable. His hearing, not so much.

At the age of 23, he enlisted in the Army and served for 2 years as Private Cinti, during which he was stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. After the army, he and his friend George traveled around Europe trying to meet women, and he regaled his family with stories of their escapades throughout his life. Memories from this part of his life were some of his happiest.  

After returning home, he attended SUNY Brockport and became a teacher, spending the majority of his career in the Williamsville School District. At the ripe old age of 38, he married the love of his life, Joanne Manuse, and together they started their family. Henry was a dedicated schoolteacher, staying late in his classroom, and bringing home classwork from his students every single night.    

During three weeks each July, he loaded up the station wagon and drove eight hours with three bored and irritable children to Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Mornings were spent walking along Napatree Beach, followed by afternoons body-surfing the waves on East Beach, and ending each day with an ice cream cone at St. Claire’s Annex. It was the three weeks of the year when he found incredible peace and relaxation.

Henry was passionate about so many things. He was a devoted fan of Notre Dame football and the New York Yankees — and not just when the teams were winning! He loved aviation and spent hours building balsa wood and tissue model airplanes, a craft that has since nearly disappeared. And he loved his “baby,” a 1952 Cadillac Convertible, which he singlehandedly drove home from Oregon in the seventies and lovingly restored to perfection.  

Henry and his wife Joanne were avid travelers, visiting all over the US, Eastern Canada, and many European countries. He was never one to care much about age, and he eagerly trekked to England to attend a literary conference at the tender age of 89. Henry loved Nevil Shute with a enthusiasm his children never quite shared, though God knows he tried. 

Henry was not without his shadow side. He was always worrying – about his family, his health, the stock market, the polar ice caps, world peace, and American politics. Henry weathered many health challenges throughout his life, but he never let them slow him down. We are truly grateful for his long life.

Henry was simply a man of great character. Humble and modest, he often found accepting any praise or recognition very difficult. Henry was a life-long learner, and practiced German until well into his nineties. He could hold a captivating conversation with absolutely anyone, finding some area of commonality, and he always gave people the benefit of the doubt and second chances. He modeled forgiveness, patience, resiliency, and loyalty. His children are eternally grateful for the time he gave to be with them in their adulthoods, and the time he spent helping care for each and every new grandchild that came along. In his last few years, his daughter would take him to visit friends in nursing homes, all of whom were younger than he was.

It is impossible to sum up the life of someone who lived so long and so well. But those who had the privilege of knowing Henry were touched by his warmth, his wit, and the depth of his love for his family and friends. He loved deeply and was loved deeply. He will be forever missed by his family, and all who knew him.  

There will be no prior visitation. His family will honor his life privately in September by scattering his ashes in his beloved Watch Hill and Little Narragansett Bay. Donations may be made in Henry’s memory to a charity of your choice.

As Henry was always a “Seeker” in life, these words by Walt Whitman seem most appropriate:

“The untold want by life and land ne’er granted. Now, Voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find.”