Obituary of Robert Andrew Henrich

Robert was born on August 10th, 1944, in Poughkeepsie, NY. With his recently gained angel wings, Robert left his wife, (step)children, and grandchildren to fly to his Lord in Heaven on September 18th, 2023. More important than the dates of his birth and passing are his tremendous accomplishments during his 79 years here on Earth. Robert was a U.S. Naval officer; he graduated from the Naval Justice School. After the Navy, Robert was an employee of more than 30 years with the U.S. Government; first as a U.S. Marshall, then with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) as an undercover narcotics agent, retiring from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) as a policy writer and accident investigator. During that time, Robert became a pilot, lived in different cities across the U.S. and in different countries. Robert was an ordained Catholic Deacon, ministering within the parishes where he lived. Robert received his BA degree in psychology from Villanova University and his MA degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University. While living in Owego, Robert was the founder of The Church Commons and The Common Ground Christian Community Center. Robert's mission through his life was to help the neediest of God's children and to reach out to them at their level. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Arline Henrich; his brother, Thomas Henrich, his nephews, Geoffrey and Mark Steckel; along with Barbara's siblings, George and Peter Patten, brother-in-law, Robert Malerba; nephew, Jeffery Malerba; sister-in-law, Sandy Patten. Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara Patten; his stepsons and their families, Adam Skellett and Jen Graney, Jesse and Johnna Skellett, and their sons, Jace and Jasper, Joshua Skellett and his daughters, Lily and Alema; Lily and Alema's mother, Crystaline Benjamin, Robert's son, Christopher Henrich and grandson, Alexander; his sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Dean Steckel, his sister-in-law , Diane Henrich; several nieces and nephews; Barbara's siblings and sisters-in-law, Marianne Malerba, Thomas Patten, Richard Patten, Donald and Kathy Patten, Andrea Patten; Barbara's numerous nieces and nephews. There are so many words that describe Robert, more than husband, (step) father, Poppa, brother, uncle, and friend. He was an extremely accomplished musician, who played over a dozen instruments and sang; he wrote songs, poetry, and articles. Robert enjoyed reading, fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and gardening. On top of all those activities, Robert believed in taking care of God's "garden." Robert loved his family; he also loved God and believed in helping the neediest of God's children. With that belief in mind, Robert founded The Church Commons/Common Ground Christian Community Center. He worked with local religious organizations to provide for those in need. Organized by Robert, the Center offered Thanksgiving dinners in a family setting for those who didn't have families. The Center ran a summer day camp and built garden beds for a gardening program for children. The Center was a site for summer breakfasts and lunches, provided by the local school district. Through Robert's actions, the Kids' Farmers Market (during the summer) gave children the opportunity to choose fresh fruits and vegetables (provided by the Southern Tier Foodbank). Robert opened the Center to organizations that needed a place to meet (the Girl Scouts, Veteran's groups, a home school group, and others). Robert saw the needs of others and did his best to help. "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink. And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?" And the King will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." Matthew 25:35-40 A celebration of Robert's life will be held on Saturday, November 4th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Common Ground Christian Community Center, 28 W. Main St., Owego, NY. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert A. Henrich's memory to The Common Ground Christian Community Center, 28 W Main St, Owego NY 13827.