Obituary of Henry Hardinge Menzies

Henry Hardinge Menzies of New Rochelle, NY, died at home of heart failure at age 88 on February 28, 2017. He was born in Hickory, NC to the late Dr. Henry Hardinge Menzies and Hallie Lloyd Menzies. He attended the R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, NC and he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of North Carolina in 1948. He did a year of graduate work at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematography, after which he worked for several film production companies in New York City. In 1951, shortly after commencement of the Korean War, he enlisted as a sailor in the Navy, and was on active duty until 1955, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1955 he received a Letter of Commendation for creating a vital new system for tracking and reporting anti-submarine warfare exercises which is still in use today. Shortly before leaving the Navy, Henry was received into the Catholic Church. After the war, he obtained a degree in Architecture from the School of Design at North Carolina State University (Raleigh) in 1958. His first job as an architect was for Perry, Shaw, Hepburn and Dean, Architects in Boston, MA. He later worked for John M. Gray, Architect, also in Boston, before founding The Architects Group in 1962 with Vince Solomita and Joe Palermo. From 1964 to 1977 he conducted a private practice in Boston. In 1978 he moved to New York City and formed the partnership of Menzies & LeMieux. In 1982 he set up a private practice in New Rochelle, NY and remained active in that practice until well into his eighties. His architectural work concentrated on church projects. He designed or renovated many churches and chapels, and also wrote a number of articles on the subject. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Menzies Clan Society and the Society for Catholic Liturgy. Henry was an avid painter, and his enthusiasm and mentoring stirred others to learn to paint. He was known for his wide circle of friends, who appreciated his advice and affection. His big heart and joyful and generous spirit inspired all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 2, from 3:30 to 6 pm and 7 to 9 pm at 99 Overlook Circle in New Rochelle. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, March 3 at 10:30 am at Holy Family Church, 111 Mayflower Ave., New Rochelle, followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. Donations to his memory may be made to the South Bronx Educational Foundation (sbef.org).