Henry J. Lindner, Jr.

Henry J. Lindner, 34, of Pawtucket, R.I., affectionately known to many as “Hank,” died peacefully at Rhode Island Hospital on Sept. 18 after a long illness. He was surrounded by the love of family and friends in his final days.

Born and raised in Worcester, son of Rosemary and the late Henry Lindner Sr., who died one day earlier, he was a proud alumnus of Worcester Public Schools, having graduated from Burncoat High School in 2008. At Burncoat, Henry was a Music Magnet student and an original member of the Quadrivium Select Chorus, which performed at numerous national competitions.

Community-minded from a young age, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 9 in Worcester, and served as secretary and treasurer of Pakachoag Lodge 525 Order of the Arrow, where he was recognized with The Vigil Honor. He was a founding member of the Treasure Valley Alumni Association, and enjoyed many summers at Camp Yawgoog in Rockville, R.I.

Henry was a 2012 graduate of Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, represented his peers as the student liaison on the Board of Trustees, and ran cross country. Henry was a DJ on the university’s radio station, WQRI, and served as the station’s general manager for a year.

While living in Rhode Island, he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder with the Bristol Fire Department, making many close friends over his time in emergency services.

After college, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving six years as a master-at-arms. He was stationed at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, and later Newport Naval Base in Rhode Island. His military career inspired a passion for helping fellow veterans in any way he could.

He earned a law degree from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2020. He sharpened his legal skills while interning for the City of Providence, apprenticing for a Providence law firm, and then working as an assistant clerk for the state of Connecticut’s Judicial Branch.

He was a faithful parishioner of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus in Pawtucket.

Recently, he was appointed finance director for Pawtucket’s James A. Ryan AMVETS Post 33 as part of his longtime dedication to fellow veterans.

Henry was a kind, thoughtful friend with a sharp mind and a wonderfully offbeat sense of humor. Many classic and unbelievable “Henry” stories were shared at his bedside. He was a man of numerous interests and talents, including a deep passion for playing the piano and other musical instruments, and learning other languages. A loyal talk radio listener and sometimes caller, he cared deeply about civic life. He formerly hosted a popular weekly trivia night at Trinity Brewhouse in Providence.

To say he loved cats is an understatement. He leaves behind Diane II and Oreo, and was preceded in death by his beloved Catsby and Diane I. He was known to meow at random around those with whom he was particularly close.

In the face of life’s challenges, Henry showed immense courage, humor, patience, and resilience, all while continuing to think of and do kind things for others.

In addition to his mother, survivors include sisters Bonnie Lindner and Colleen Tyler; brother Eric Lindner; cherished uncle Franklin “Buck” Sheahan; former wife and dear friend Jennifer Chapman; and a vast network of loyal friends who will never forget him.

He was also preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Madelyn Sheahan and aunt LynneAnne Lefebvre.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, 4:30 p.m., at Bristol Fire Department Engine 1, 4 Annawamscutt Drive, Bristol.

A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Mary’s Church in Bristol on Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. interment at Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Henry’s name to Bristol Fire Department Benevolent Association. Checks can be sent to 4 Anawamscutt Drive, Bristol, R.I., 02809.

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

– F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby