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Hans Henke, the longtime Patchogue Village Historian whose passion for preserving local history helped define how generations understand the community, died on Wednesday, Jan. 7. He was 96.
Henke, a Patchogue resident and owner of Henke Repair Service in Blue Point, was widely known both for keeping cars running and for keeping Patchogue’s past alive.
Through decades of research, photography and storytelling, he became one of the village’s most trusted stewards of its heritage.
In addition to his work as village historian, Henke was deeply involved with preservation efforts at Lakeview Cemetery — perhaps the most historic part of Patchogue Village — where he played a major role in a large-scale project to restore and protect the gravestones of military veterans.
The work, he had said, helped ensure that the service and sacrifice of those buried there, some going back to the time of the Civil War, would continue to be honored and remembered.
Henke also authored two widely used photo books documenting the community’s past, “Patchogue: Queen City of Long Island’s South Shore — The Early Years” and a companion second volume.
The books remain a key resource for readers interested in how the South Shore village grew from a small waterfront community into modern-day Patchogue.
In 2019, Henke was honored by the village and the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce during a special fundraising event.
He is survived by his daughters, Susan Henke-Brinkman — a Patchogue Village trustee — and Karen Johnson, as well as six grandchildren: Paul Hans, Victoria and Olivia Brinkman, and Julia, Meaghan and Michael Johnson.
Henke was predeceased by his wife, June K. Henke.
Family and friends will gather at Ruland Funeral Home in Patchogue to remember Henke on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 3-7 p.m. A closing prayer will be offered at the funeral home on Monday, Jan. 12, at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.
Top: Hans Henke was honored for his volunteer work at an event in 2019 (Facebook/Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce).
