Robert V. Henning Sr., of Glen Cove, formerly of Garden City, died on May 1, 2004 at the age of 87. A devoted husband to Eleanor, they would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on May 17. He was the father of Robert Jr. (Jean Smith), Margaret Minnick (Jeffrey), Richard (Eileen Kelly), Patricia Cochran (David), Douglas and Eleanor Clark (Walton). In addition he had 17 grandchildren who affectionately called him "Bobo." They are Robert, Nina and William Henning, Linden Minnick Cornett, Duncan and Margaret Minnick, Elizabeth, Laura, Richard Jr. and Michael Henning, Katharine and Sarah Cochran, Douglas Jr., Charlotte and John Lawrence Henning, Walton Jr. and Patricia Clark. Mr. Henning is also survived by his brother, Theodore W. Henning of Plandome. All of his grandchildren came to the funeral from places as far ranging as Manhattan to Rwanda, Illinois to Nepal and many states in between.

Mr. Henning was born in Brooklyn to George and Else Henning on Dec. 21, 1916. During the Depression, he earned money as a teenager by pouring metals in the foundry at Belmont Metals, Inc., a family-owned business founded by his father in 1896. Upon his graduation from Lehigh University in 1938, where he was the captain of the swimming team, he joined Belmont in the purchasing department, buying and selling metals. He also atttended Columbia University as a graduate student in metallurgy. In 1941, he married Eleanor Linden Bloss of Bethlehem, PA. The family lived near the ocean in Neponset, NY. Their love of the beach and ocean continued throughout their lives. When his father George died in 1942, his brother George became the president of Belmont Metals. Mr. Henning assumed the role in 1974 and his son Richard became the fourth president in 2003. In recent years as his health failed, he was determined to maintain his rugged pace, although it was evident that it was difficult. He regularly went to work until his final hospitalization. At the time of his death, he had more than 65 years of service. He will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, dedication to his family tradition and ethical values.

During his lifetime, he found time to serve his community. His main contributions included his roles as chairman of the Church Council, president of the Central Properties Association, and president of the Lehigh Club of NY. A man of faith and integrity, he loved life, his family and beloved Belmont. Arrangements were made by the Fairchild Funeral Home, Garden City. Services were held at the Garden City Community Church. Burial private at Locust Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530, for the Organ Restoration Fund.