Henry G. Seidel, 88, of Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, passed peacefully away on June 15, 2025, at home with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy J. (Kwiatkowski) Seidel, whom he married on August 16, 1958 in Mater Dolorosa Church, Holyoke. Born in Holyoke on July 9, 1936, he was the son of Henry and Bertha Eckart Seidel. Henry attended local schools and was a 1955 graduate of Holyoke High School. After high school, Henry spent a year at New York Military Academy Reserves, then enlisted in the US Coast Guard. He spent 4 yrs there, 1955-1959, until he was needed at home to help on the family farm. He was affectionately known to many as “Sonny” or “Heinie.” He was small in stature with a personality that was larger than life.  As a young man, Henry helped his Dad on the family farm. Father and son were awarded the city “garbage” contract of which they held for many years. Early morning runs through the back streets of Holyoke provided them with ample food for the livestock (hogs) which they raised.  Also on the farm were chickens and fancy pigeons which Henry took great pride in raising and showing at competitions throughout the state. He wore many hats in his early years. He was a truck driver for Reidy Oil Co., an Apprentice Plumber with Bruno Crolle Plumbing in Easthampton, and eventually Manager/ Superintendent of the Holyoke Water Department. The Water Dept. was a position that he held for well over 30 years. He knew where many watermains ran under the city streets, most times without the use of a map. The longest and the most beloved job he held was operating the family farm over the last 88 years, first helping his father and then his son helping him. He took extra pride in how his orchards looked. He spent many an hour on his tractors, mowing the orchards and tending to the apple trees. Every fall, he enjoyed the numerous friends and customers that would stop at the roadside apple stand for a variety of his apples, peaches, plums and nectarines. His apple cider was the best around. Henry always had a smile for everyone that stopped and a story to tell for those who lent him an ear. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, with the entire family gathered around the big table. He thought his mashed potatoes and sweet and sour cabbage were the absolute best. Every Christmas, he and Dottie, and later with his son, Butch, would make the German fruit stolen, usually dozens of them. Many people looked forward to receiving one or two. Every year they were hand delivered or sent out in the mail. In his spare time, he loved making many varieties of German and Polish dishes, being an expert on sausage making as well. He especially enjoyed his weekly breakfast outings with Dottie and Butch, always ordering two pieces of French Toast and a bottomless cup of coffee. He was a communicant of Holy Family Parish and later of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Holyoke. Henry leaves behind the love of his life, Dorothy; they celebrated 67 years of marriage this past year; his son Henry “Butch” (Katie) Seidel of Holyoke, and his daughter Kathleen (Paul) Murphy of Pittsfield. He will be missed by his grandchildren: David (Kerry) Seidel, Cara Seidel (Szymon Wolanczyk), Daniel (Nicole) Seidel, all of Holyoke, and Bryan (Johana) Murphy of Pittsfield, all of whom were “his favorite.” He was blessed with 5 great-grandchildren: Celine and Silas Wolanczyk, Axel Seidel, and Liam and Harper Seidel. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and MaryAnn Kwiatkowski. Henry was predeceased by his parents; his sister and her husband, Marie and Paul Sussenguth; his mother and father-in-law, Stanley and Helen Kwiatkowski; his brother /sisters-in-law, Emily and James “Dougie” Douglas, Alice and Fred Mamicki, and Edward Kwiatkowski; his nephew, Paul Sussenguth, and an infant daughter, Helen Elizabeth, who has been patiently waiting for her Daddy. The family would like to express their sincere and deepest gratitude to his caregivers over the last few months. Their kindness and compassion for Dad during the last few months was more than can be put into words. A heartfelt thank you to Tracy and also the team of caregivers from Home Health Aides. All of you went above and beyond to provide Henry with love, compassion and extra care during his final days. A very special shout out to Nick from VNA/Hospice, his second favorite nurse besides Mom. Dorothy wanted to add that Butch and Kathy’s never-ending support will never be forgotten. You both are God’s gift to Mom and Dad. A special thank you to our daughter-in-law, Katie, for your ever-present kindness and support. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Henry on Wednesday, September 24 at 9:30 am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. Donations in Henry’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Holyoke VNA/ Holyoke Hospice, 575 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home handled the services.