Henry J. Reffner's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Henry J. Reffner
Henry J. Reffner, age 81, of Vermilion, OH passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at his home under the care of his children with support from Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Hank, as he was known to friends and family, was born on October 22, 1941 in Lakewood, OH. A 1959 graduate of Olmsted Falls High School, he served in the Army National Guard and later became a lifetime member of AMVETS. He retired in 1996 after 30 years with Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, where he advocated for his co-workers as a Utility Workers Union of America representative.
Hank loved sailing and shared his passion with others through Great Lakes sailboat racing, coaching, community building, and leading bareboat charters throughout the Virgin Islands. He founded the group Sail Cleveland and was a member of US Sailing, Sandusky Sailing Club, and Vermilion Boat Club. When he wasn't sailing, Hank found joy in another of his great loves, the sport of Soccer. For over 20 years, starting in the early 1980s, he coached local youth soccer.
Henry is survived by his children; Richard (Vicky) Reffner, of Piedmont, CA, Jennifer Reffner, of Oberlin, Nathan (Ruby) Reffner, of Cleveland and Ryan Reffner, of Montreal, Canada, grandchildren; Logan Miller, Sydney Miller, Katherine Reffner, Luca Reffner, Celina Melendez, and Nico Reffner, a sister, Molly Nagy, of Sebring, FL and his aunt & uncle, Betty Sue (Bob) Harris.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Shirley (nee Harris) Reffner.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 5 -7 pm at Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. To send an online condolence, please visit www.dovinreberjones.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Hank's memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve (www.hospicewr.org).
Rest in peace, Hank. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
What’s your fondest memory of Henry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Henry?
Share a story where Henry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Henry you’ll never forget.
How did Henry make you smile?