Obituary of John "Jack" Robert Henne

John “Jack” Robert Henne Jack passed quietly on Monday, September 5th, 2022 at the age of 92. Jack will forever be remembered by his loving wife Nancy; three grateful children: John (Dara) Henne, Anne (Sam) Rockwell and Meg (Barry) Gibson; and eight blessed grandchildren: Hunter, Kathryn, Sydney, Jack, Sam, Luke, Mark and Clark. He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and R. G. “Jerry” Henne as well as his siblings, Father Paul Henne and Peggy (Paul) Oldam. For years Jack Henne has been known for his quick wit, quiet philanthropy and impactful humility. For all those who knew him, Jack would lighten the atmosphere with his ‘dad’ jokes and sense of humor all his own. The more one would resist his off handed remarks, the faster he would dish them out. It was clear Jack loved life and even more so, the enjoyment of others. For Jack, it was always about someone else. His attention was steadily drawn toward those in need. Jack often gave monetary gifts to unsuspecting individuals, passing cash to family members sworn to secrecy. Jack’s wife Nancy, of 56 years, is the only one aware of the countless individuals he helped. She has been resistant to share stories even with their three children as if, in doing so, she’d be breaking a trust between her and her soft-hearted husband. Jack served our country on the U.S.S. Fulton which serviced submarines during the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Pittsburgh to work with his father, R. G. “Gerry” Henne, in the family jewelry business founded by Gerry's father in 1887. During his tenure, Jack made Henne Jewelers a pillar in the East End of Pittsburgh. After 91 years in East Liberty, he moved the store to Shadyside. It was a well-thought-out and brave move at the time which would prove to alter the lives of many. After the store’s relocation, Jack served as President of the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce and eventually passed the baton to his three children and finally, to his only son, John, who still leads the helm today. Jack served on the board of Garfield Jubilee, and the advisory board of Imani Christian Academy. He and Nancy supported countless charities throughout their marriage, but what was most precious to them was the time they spent mentoring young couples. The Hennes enjoyed a powerful union. Using their years of experiential wisdom, they gifted others with the love they shared and practical advice. Little did they know at the inception of their endeavor, the number of lives they would impact. Jack and Nancy spent innumerable hours nurturing hundreds of couples over more than 17 years. It is certain Jack’s insightful instruction will be remembered by many. In accordance with Jack’s humble nature, he often wore a simple gold pin. It was not immediately clear what the pin depicted, which was just as he liked. It unexpectedly opened the door to a conversation which held great honor. When one inquired about it, Jack would tearfully explain the pin was a gold nail symbolizing the nails which pierced the hands and feet of our Lord. With his heart bare, Jack would describe the suffering of the one whose love changed mankind forever. Now, he remains in the presence of Christ, the King. Jack lived a life filled with faith, family, love and humility. A legacy he leaves to his children, grandchildren and beyond. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Jack’s life on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at McCabe Brothers Funeral Home, 6214 Walnut Street, Shadyside. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Jude Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 310 Shady Avenue, Shadyside, on Saturday at 10 am. Interment private. Contributions in memory of Jack may be made to The Light of Life Rescue Mission,www.lightoflife.org/ or Imani Christian Academy, imanichristianacademy.org/. Condolences may be left at www.mccabebrothers.com.