Herbert Henkin

Herbert Henkin, age 96, died at Samaritan Hospital of Troy on April 16, 2020.

Born Sept. 27, 1923, in New York City to Morris and Rose (Schwartz), he grew up in Coney Island. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Lena, his daughter Deborah of Brooklyn, son George (Noreen) of Wynantskill, daughter Judith of Marshfield, Vt., son Daniel (Sachiko) of Larchmont, and grandchildren Ryland, Elizabeth and Evelyn.
As a child, Herbert exhibited talents in art and mathematics, and enjoyed spending time outside the city on his Aunt Anna’s chicken farm. In 1943 Herbert enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the European theater of WWII as a member of the 66th Infantry and Signal Corps until 1946, participating in the D-Day invasion by sending false messages to confuse the enemy. After his service, he graduated from City College with a degree in civil engineering.
He lived in Albany for the past 60 years and worked at the New York State departments of Health and Transportation for over 35 years. Always known for his brilliant mind, Herbert regularly excelled on civil service exams and his mind stayed sharp to the end. He was an important bridge designer and expert on sign structure for New York State.
Herbert was a member of American Legion Post 1 in Troy, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Jewish War Veterans, where he was the commander of Post 105.