Robert J. DeHenzel, Sr.

Robert J. DeHenzel, Sr. ("Bob") of Odenton, MD and formerly of Bowie, MD, died on March 18, 2010 at home after a 5 year battle with colon cancer. He was 80. Born on August 4, 1929, in Philadelphia, PA, he was a graduate of Roman Catholic High School and LaSalle University, where he played basketball and received a B.A. in French in 1951. From 1951-1960, he was employed in the insurance business in Philadelphia and New Jersey, eventually joining Harford Insurance, which brought him to Maryland in 1963. In 1969, he began a 30 year career with the federal government, first as an insurance examiner with HUD, then as insurance examiner and assistant director of the Flood Program at FEMA. A resident of Belair at Bowie from 1963 to 2005, he was a founding member of the Bowie Boy's Club and served as President of the organization from 1964-1967. He was active in coaching Boy's Club basketball and baseball for several years, his teams routinely winning county championships. He was also an avid golfer and active member of Glendale Country Club for more than 30 years. He was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church, Bowie from 1982 until the time of his death. He is survived by his loving wife Joan, who he married on May 13, 1950, and seven children, Robert DeHenzel, Jr. of Bowie, Daniel DeHenzel of Riva, James DeHenzel of Sterling, VA, David DeHenzel of Wye Mills, Kenneth DeHenzel of Lusby, Diane DeHenzel Mackey of Odenton, and Karen Harder of Owings, 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grand-children. He is also survived by a sister, Doris Devinney of Huntingdon, PA. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 16510 Mount Oak Road, Bowie, MD, from 11:00am until a funeral service at 1:00pm. Interment immediately following the service at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church.