On the morning of Friday, February 23, Henry “Hank” Schreibstein, passed away next to his loving wife, after being surrounded by his family.
Hank was born in the Spring of 1939 and was 1 of 5 children born to the late Anna and Max Schreibstein in Monticello, NY. The family moved to the Bronx and Hank met many of his lifelong friends on the “corner” on Sedgewick Avenue in the Kingsbridge neighborhood. He attended Roosevelt HS and would serve his country in the United States Navy, enlisting at the age of 17, and serving for 4 years before returning to the Bronx. Once home, Hank met Mary Jane Ryan when she was 15, and he was 21, and his life became enriched with love and kindness.
Hank and Mary Jane would marry at Our Lady of Angels Church and live on University Avenue, before moving to Greystone Avenue. They welcomed children Scott (spouse Mary Ellen), Melissa (spouse Nick), and Gregg (spouse Kate). They built a loving home, and Hank was a neighborhood fixture, spending time at Greystone Park and the local spots, always watching out for others. Hank was a devoted husband and father, who was committed to raising his children with his love and support. He loved his in-laws, often joking with them, and always grateful for this extended circle of love.
Hank’s blessings multiplied with the birth of his grandchildren, Luke Henry, Emma, Angelina, Gabriella, Connor, and Ryan. Grandpa Hank embraced this role, encouraging the kids to wear his cowboy hats and to play in his bunk house. Hank’s grandchildren knew that Grandpa could fix anything, and he completed every job with the utmost care. Hank enjoyed attending his grandkid’s activities, cheering their efforts, and proudly pointing them out to all those around them. Hank was a natural storyteller and shared his stories about growing up in the Bronx with his children and grandchildren.
Hank was a wonderful example of devotion to family and country, and he was deeply patriotic. Hank shared these values along with his strong work ethic, and his honesty with his family every day. He showed this unconditional love when he surprised them with a cairn terrier, Lucy, and loved watching their reaction to their new family member who would enrich their lives.
Hank worked his entire life, earning the respect of his colleagues in a varied range of industries, from his time as a lighting technician in television and entertainment, to working as an engineer at St. Cabrini Nursing Home. Hank made many friends, who loved his witty, fun-loving, easy-going ways. Hank was always willing to help others and to go the extra mile for those close to him.
Hank was a proud member of the American Legion Hall Post 774 for many years. Hank was a news junkie who had an extensive knowledge of history. He loved watching sports and was an avid fan of the New York Giants and Yankees. Hank loved to listen to country music and sing his favorite tunes.
We will continue to honor Hank and keep his spirit in our hearts forever. To quote one of his favorites, Winston Churchill,” We make a life by what we give,” and we are thankful for what Hank has given us.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Hank’s memory to the Wounded Warrior project or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471. A Prayer Service and Military Honors at 7:00 pm. On Sunday the visitation will be from 2 - 5:00 pm. Committal private.