John Peter Henglein

Ocean Pines

John Peter Henglein passed away on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021, at the age of 81 after courageously fighting pancreatic cancer, diabetes, asbestosis and several other health issues.

John was born to Pete and Milldred Henglein on July 19, 1939, in Rockaway Beach Queens, New York. He grew up near the water where he loved fishing, clamming and crabbing in Jamaica Bay.

He joined the US Navy at 18 and served four years as a maintenance mechanic second class.

He worked for Con Ed in New York as an engineer and eventually worked for the New York City Board of Education as a facilities manager overseeing numerous public school buildings.

He retired to Ocean Pines and was active in many organizations which brought him many friends.

John was a member of the boat club, anglers club, 500 club, platform tennis and most importantly the Ocean Pines Fire Department, where he volunteered for many years driving the ambulance, directing traffic and assisting EMTs and police attending fires.

John was also instrumental in the development and maintenance of the Ocean Pines Veterans Memorial, volunteering to place bricks, helping to maintain the grounds, purchase flags and oversee the raising and lowering of the flags for commendations.

The Worcester County Veterans Foundation presented John with recognition for his service as a member of the Board of Directors and at a ceremony in Annapolis he earned the title of one of “Maryland’s Most Beautiful People” in 2009.

John’s passions in life were fishing, boating, vacationing and going on cruises with his wife and friends. He loved participating in raft ups with his friends and participating in the Believe in Tomorrow program, where he took families for boat rides, fishing and seeing the ponies in Assateague.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Carolyn Henglein; and his children, Elaine Hoffer of DeBary, Florida, Timothy Gusek of Fort Ann, New York, Stacey Rollman of Rockaway Beach, New York, Marilyn Merlot of Hampstead, Maryland, and Michael Gusek of Pearl River, New York; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

His final wishes will be respected – he will be cremated and his ashes spread in the water that he loved so much. A celebration of life will be held in July at the Ocean Pines Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Ocean Pines Fire Department in John’s name.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.