J. R. Claude Henri, 87, of Syracuse, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Loretto. Born in Canada, he lived his early years in Newton Falls. He was an Army Corporal serving in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Clarkson University where he received a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was also past president and area director of Bayberry Community Assoc., past president of Liverpool Community Council and Clarkson College Alumni Assoc. (Syracuse Chapter). He was an avid bridge player and instructor. He was a lifetime member of the Bear Mountain Hunting Club along with his brothers. He was employed as Chief Engineer at Syracuse VA Medical Center, retiring in 1990 after 32 years of federal service. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus St. Michael's Church Branch and consultant for the elevator project. He was a communicant of St. Michael's Church in Onondaga Hill and had been a trustee and member of the Parish Council of Christ the King Church in Liverpool. Along with his wife, Helen, he loved to dance and belonged to many western dancing clubs. He was predeceased by his son, Robert C. Henri; his siblings, Jeanine Diekhaus, Carmen Morin, Ubald "Joe" Henrie, and Charles Henrie. Surviving are his wife of 63 years on Jan 3, Helen; a son, Steven G. (Christine) Henri; a daughter, Michele H. (James) Gagne; his grandchildren, Renee (Carl) Starks, Cody Faulkner, Lucas Faulkner, Steven R. Henri; many nieces and nephews. A Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6 in St. Michael's-St. Peter's Church, 4782 W. Seneca Tpke., Syracuse. Spring burial, Star Lake Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday, Jan. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Butler-Badman Funeral Home, Inc., 4504 W. Seneca Tpke. Donations may be made to the Respite Care Program at the Syracuse VA Hospital or St. Michael's & St. Peter's Church. Date of Death: December 31, 2013