In Remembrance: Henry E. Prew ’50 Died on February 7 2023

Henry Edward Prew passed away on February 7, 2023, in Plainview, New York. He was 97.

One of three boys born to Henry and Anne (Madigan) Prew, Henry joined the army at age 17 and served in the European Theater during World War II. He participated in several conflicts, including the Battle of the Bulge, and earned a Purple Heart in recognition of a wound he received from a sniper in a small French town. His helmet deflected the bullet and saved his life, penetrating his hand, head, and ear. 

After the war he attended Yale on an army scholarship, earning his degree in physics in 1950. He worked as an engineer for several defense contractors on Long Island, including Grumman Aviation where he contributed significant design work with the lunar module production. After his retirement he was a volunteer at the Grumman history center in Bethpage, Long Island, and was an active radio-control model aircraft devotee. He also served as a vice president of the school board. He was an extraordinarily knowledgeable man who was always prepared for conversation. 

Henry was a mild and kind man who held no prejudice. He was a 60-year parishioner at Saint Pius X Church in Plainview, New York, and was actively involved with the parish up until his death. 

Henry was husband of Rita (Roberts) Prew (deceased). He is survived by his children Debra Delekto (Mark), Victoria Prew (Richard), Jennifer Prew, Martin Prew (Josh), and Christopher Prew (Tracey); and grandchildren John Delekto (Lauren) and Beau Prew. He has two great-grandchildren: Andrew and Charlotte Delekto.

—Submitted by the family.