Henry Schlossberg

Henry Schlossberg PhotoHenry Schlossberg – 92 – of Arkport, formerly of North Hornell, died, early Sunday morning (April 10, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Brooklyn on June 30, 1923, he was the son of Abe and Ida (Gassner) Schlossberg.

Henry grew up in Brooklyn, a graduate of Tilden High School, where he met Libby Ginsburg in what she described as a “Harry met Sally” moment. He was a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, selling hot dogs at Ebbets Field from a young age.

He and Libby, along with two children, moved to Hornell in 1953, where he established and managed Marion Rohr Manufacturing Corp for 40 years. He then worked as the payroll manager for Covered Wagon Tours until his death.

An accomplished pilot from age 23, he later became a flight instructor and was awarded by the FAA and the AOPA for his lifetime perfect safety record. With then Hornell doctor B.J. McClanahan, in the late 60s, he co-founded the American Bonanza Society—today the world’s largest private flying organization.

Henry was a boating instructor with the Power Squadron and was also fond of ballroom dancing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, and SCUBA; coaching and encouraging his children, grandchildren and many of their friends in these and other sports.

A member of Hornell’s Temple Beth-El, he supported many charitable organizations around the area, including volunteering for the Civil Air Patrol and giving rides in support of “Airport Days” in Hornell and Dansville. He was instrumental in persuading 1970’s Governor Nelson Rockefeller to visit and spend funds improving Hornell’s airport.

Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Libby, who was always a willing partner in his flying adventures. A longtime lover of big band music and jazz, their marriage in December, 1944 in Brooklyn, was attended by renowned Cantor/Singer Richard Tucker and the Andrews Sisters.

Henry is survived by daughters, Sandra Messing, formerly of Rochester, NY, Maddy (Richard) Lawler, of East Hampton, NY, and son William (Robin) Schlossberg of Stamford, CT; four grandchildren, Risa (Ryan) Milne, Adam (Anna) Lawler, Lisa Lawler, and Daniel Schlossberg; and three great-grandchildren, Amelia Milne, Max Milne, and Reagan Lawler.

In addition to his wife, Libby, Henry is also pre-deceased by three sisters, Lillian Pearl, Renee Mish, and Ruth Oshins from the New York City area; and by several nieces and nephews with whom he was very close.

The family of Henry Schlossberg will receive friends on Tuesday (April 12th, 2016) from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell. Henry will be interred at a private ceremony alongside Libby, at Beth-El Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Henry’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to Temple Beth-El, PO Box 488, Hornell, NY, 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

In recognition to Henry’s service to his country during WWII, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

One Response to “Henry Schlossberg”

  1. Tom Drumm says:

    Sandie, Maddy, Billy, and families,

    I was so sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. He was a true gentlemen, a true community leader, and a very good friend. Rest assured he is with your Mom now watching over you all. Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your families.

    Tommy Drumm