Jeremiah Adam Henry

Our beloved Jeremiah Adam Henry, 42, left this world on June 10, 2024. Here is the story of his beautiful life that ended too soon. It is the telling of his unforgettable character and all of the goodness, kindness and generosity he brought to us.

Jeremiah was born in Burlington on May 18, 1982, the son of Maureen (Rooney) Zygmuntowicz and Edward Henry. He attended elementary and grade schools in Jericho and graduated from Mount Mansfield Union High School. He earned an Associate of Science degree in Recording Arts in 2005 from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida and spent the rest of his career in event production and technology in the Orlando area.

From an early age, it was evident that Jeremiah was right at home with people of all ages and backgrounds, and he was also comfortable providing the entertainment. A brilliant comedian, impressionist and storyteller, he would often quote lines from TV shows and movies. After seeing the movies Beetlejuice and Home Alone as a young boy, he could act out the parts and voices in great detail. During one of his “performances,” his Uncle Pat once asked him, "Is this a short story, or a novel?"

Jeremiah was equal parts colorful, charismatic and mischievous. His quick wit and humor were unparalleled, as he would effortlessly deliver endless laughs and pranks. One of his high school counselors told his mother that he should go into entertainment. He was more interested in being the class clown than a bookworm.

Jeremiah was incredibly talented. He never realized to what extent, and he was too modest to acknowledge it. He was also a jack of many trades, and his resourcefulness and innovativeness allowed him to thrive in almost any environment. He had great skill and knowledge in the audio/video industry. He was excited by the thrill of running events for the companies he worked for, and he took pride in his hard work. He once received a “Most Hospitable” award at a large A/V conference he attended.

Jeremiah could write, draw, and sketch, as well as paint beautiful, unique art. He appreciated color, and he knew how to incorporate it into his drawings and paintings. He wrote a quote by writer Nitya Prakash on the back of a very special painting he made for his mother: Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

Among Jeremiah’s pleasures were skateboarding, snowboarding, martial arts, music and fashion, especially sneakers. He was passionate about sneakers. He would collect as many as he could. And he would make sure they were kept in tip-top shape, without a speck of dirt. He enjoyed clothing as well. He was in his glory in a used clothing store and always dreamed of opening his own vintage clothing shop.

Jeremiah was always willing to lend a hand and a smile. He looked out for others, encouraging them to succeed, feel good about themselves and embrace their dreams. He would always do his very best to help you even when he was struggling himself. Sometimes, it was just a sweet side joke or a hilarious impersonation to help you stop taking yourself and life too seriously. Or sometimes he would convince a convenience store to box up leftover food at the end of the day so he could give it to someone who was hungry. One Christmas, he brought ornaments and gifts to a family in need. He gave something special to every single person and animal who was lucky enough to know him.

More than anything, Jeremiah loved his family, including all of their animals and his own. He once described memories of holidays with his Rooney family as “some of my favorite memories of all.” His stepfather, Jon, who affectionately called Jeremiah “Honey,” has fond memories of the two of them playing basketball outside their Jericho home.

Jeremiah married Alicia Culin in 2014, and they later divorced. They had a son, Calvin. Jeremiah’s love for Calvin was boundless. Words cannot describe the beautiful rapport between the two of them. Jeremiah once described 4-year-old Calvin as “a good little guy, funny as heck, but very sweet and caring and sensitive and smart.” Calvin, whom Jeremiah tenderly referred to as “CalMan,” is one of the best parts of Jeremiah, his legacy. And although some years went by when they were apart, the bond, the adoration, the connection was always there, and always will be.

Jeremiah leaves behind his mother, Maureen Zygmuntowicz, his stepfather, Jon Zygmuntowicz, his stepmother, Patti Henry, and her children, his son, Calvin Konnor Henry, his grandmother, Marion Kelley Rooney, grandparents Ralph and Frances Henry, step-grandparents Louise and Andy Zygmuntowicz (nicknamed “Warthog” by Jeremiah), his aunts and uncles Dan (Patrice) Rooney, Shawn Rooney Willis (Michael), Brian K. Rooney, Eileen Rooney Hausermann (Peter), Timothy Rooney, Eileen Shaughnessy, Mike Henry and his children, Sue (Henry) Watson and her children and uncle Tim Henry’s children. Jeremiah was also “big cousin” to Matthew Willis (who referred to Jeremiah as his “big brother”), Lindsey Willis and Daniel, Sam, Shannon and Shauna Rooney. As well, Jeremiah leaves his partner Jamey Moore and her dog, Bizarre.

He is predeceased by his father, Edward Henry, grandfather, Francis Rooney, grandmother, JudyAnn Papin, uncles Patrick Rooney, Shayne Rooney, Tim Henry and many animal friends, Mongo, Cheeks, Kimmy, Dundee and others too numerous to name.

Those wanting to donate in Jeremiah’s memory may contact Osceola County Animal Services (https://www.facebook.com/OsceolaCountyAnimalServices), Jenna’s Promise (jennaspromise.org) or any organization that supports animal welfare or helps people who suffer from substance use disorder or their families.

Jeremiah’s family will have a private gathering to celebrate his life. We are thankful to have had these short but precious years with you, dearest Jeremiah. You have given us so much to remember. Now you are whole again. Rest in peace and joy.

Joy is a return to the deep harmony of body, mind, and spirit that was yours at birth and that can be yours again. That openness to love, that capacity for wholeness with the world around you, is still within you.

-Deepak Chopra.