Donald C. Henderson of Flanders, a beloved Riverhead Central School District security guard who made an impact on countless local students, died on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Peconic Bay Medical Center. He was 60 years old.
“Don Henderson was a legend at Riverhead Schools,” Board of Education President Laurie Downs said. “For close to 30 years he watched over our children. He was unique in his approach and very well respected. He will be extremely missed by the school family.”
Henderson had an enormous influence on students within the district.
He was also iconic as an announcer of birthdays in the high school cafeteria at lunchtime. With a roaring voice on the loudspeaker, Henderson would announce: “We have a birthday in the house. We have a birthday in the H. O. U. S. E., hooooooooouuuuuuuusssssse.” He’d then wish the celebrating student a happy birthday and lead the lunchroom in uproarious clapping and cheers.
Friends and former students shared their memories of Henderson and how they impacted his life on posts to his Facebook wall as word of his passing spread through the community:
“My Parents trusted Mr. Donald Henderson as more than a security guard for school for myself and my Siblings, and he definitely gave them every reason to,” Tyma Rhymer wrote. “He was one of the few that still checked on me as I grew older. Out of all Security in Riverhead High, everyone knew not to play with Mr. Henderson. To his Sons their Mom, and all of whom he touched in life, you/we grew with a King. My deepest condolences.”
“From that kid you used to chase down the hallway to that coworker that would come find you for some words or wisdom love is love Henny and I thank you for everything!” Nigel Ranghell wrote.
“I don’t even know where to begin talking about this man. He was there at one of the hardest times for me in high school. My husband always got caught by him in the halls with his speaker backpack lol Mr. Mckenzie turn it down or I’ll take it.,” wrote Stasia Mckenzie. “He’s seen me and my husband grow up and was always happy to see us together in Riverhead years later. He would always say I knew you Two would end up together very nice happy to see it, you have a beautiful family and should be proud.”
“RIP Mr. Donald Henderson. I’ve known you since I was a young boy. You have always been a great guy, family man and mentor to so many. You were a pillar in the Riverhead School District and your memory will last forever. Rest up big fella. H-O-U-S-E …. Houseeeee,” wrote Jeremy Hobson.
Henderson’s family said many students have reached out to them to tell them how Henderson “changed their lives.”
“A lot of students said that he pretty much paved the way for them, he put them on the right path,” his youngest son Quentin said. “He would talk to anybody. He would never rush anyone. If people have problems, he would talk to them about their problems. He was very kind and understanding.”
“He was a very above and beyond person,” Quentin said. “He was more than security. He wanted to help others and he created pretty much his own kind of ministry by helping others and providing for others. [He] kept people out of trouble [and] out of jail.”
Henderson, went through Riverhead schools from kindergarten at Roanoke Avenue Elementary to Riverhead High School from which he graduated in 1979. He then served in the United States Army for eight years, attaining the rank of sergeant. When he was stationed in Louisiana at Fort Polk, he met his future wife Cheryl Powe. They were married in Louisiana on Nov. 5, 1983. He brought Cheryl back to New York, where they raised their sons, Donald Jr. and Quentin.
He was born in Riverhead on April 10, 1961, the son of James Wyche and Alma Henderson.
“He was the best husband, the best father, he’s just a good person, a golden hearted person. We could never ask for a better person to be in our family,” Cheryl said.
In his spare time, he enjoyed cars, reading and music. “He loved the Lord and his family,” his family said in a statement. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Mattituck.
In addition to his wife of 39 years, he is survived his sons Donald Jr. of Wading River and Quentin of Flanders; by his parents, James Wyche of South Carolina and Alma Wells of Riverhead, by his sister Tiana Wells of Riverhead, and by his canine companion, Ace. He was predeceased by his stepfather Joseph Wells.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Riverhead. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by interment with military honors at Calverton National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Unity Baptist Church, 655 Factory Avenue, Mattituck NY 11952.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of McLaughlin-Heppner Funeral Home, Riverhead.
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