Henry R. Zanrucha, 81 years old, of Norwood, MA passed on December 17, 2023. Henry was the beloved son of the late Irene (Linsky) Zanrucha and Henry Zanrucha and the brother of the late Lorraine Pacheco. Henry is also survived by many friends in Norwood and Walpole as well as a large contingent of people who were honored to serve as staff responsible for supporting Henry.
Henry lived at the Wrentham Developmental Center for much of his teen years and young adulthood. While there, Henry was an active employee of the Wrentham Farm and well-known with a large group of friends, some of whom he remained in contact with till his passing. Henry was an active communicant of St. Mary’s Church and was well-known as a member of the Sunday Summer Club from Wrentham which spent their Sunday mornings after mass sitting in rocking chairs on the rectory porch with Fr. Coffey for many years.
In 1977, Henry moved into one of the first supported apartment programs in our state, in Walpole. This program was transitioned to The Arc of South Norfolk (SNCARC) at that time, now known as Lifeworks two years later. This began a wonderful relationship of support for Henry for nearly 45 years and thanks to Henry’s great personality, determination, and pride, led him to a wonderful life. Henry moved into his own apartment in Walpole in 1985 where he lived in the center for nearly 30 years. Henry was a well-known member of the Blessed Sacrament Church community and greatly appreciative of all their support over the years.
Henry was an employee of Building 19 in Norwood for over 20 years and then at B.J.’s Wholesale Club. Upon his retirement he enjoyed attending the Norwood Adult Day Health program and the Mansfield Day Health Program. About 10 years ago, Henry moved in an apartment program supported by Lifeworks in Norwood where he had a beautiful and active last 10 years of his life, with great supports and wonderful friends who lived there.
Henry was the embodiment of unconditional love. He had smiles and laughter for anyone he encountered. He loved friends and family, and quickly became “adopted” by those who were lucky enough to befriend him. He was known as “uncle Henry” to many of the children of those who served him. Henry had his own inquisitive style in which he would ask many questions of those around him and then remember the details of their lives years later. Henry was everyone’s friend, and was front and center for every outing or activity. To say Henry was a beloved member of the Lifeworks’ family is an understatement. Henry was the heart, soul, and reason why so many choose to serve others. Anyone who knew Henry was left with a warm heart, and was a better person because of him.
A Visitation for Henry will be held in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rt 1A), NORWOOD on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole in early January with an announcement to appear on this website.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Henry’s name to Lifeworks Inc., 789 Clapboardtree St., Westwood, Ma. Or www.lifeworksarc.org. This donation will be used to create something at Henry’s home, to benefit his friends who live there
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