Alfred Henckler,Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alfred Henckler Jr. He passed away in his  home on the morning of February 4, 2025 at 85 years of age. Al was born on December 7, 1939 in Weehawkin, NJ to Mary Henckler and Alfred Henckler, Sr.  One of two children, he grew up in Queens, NY.  He married the love of his life, Barbara Cramer, in 1962 in Jackson Heights, NY.  At the age of 22, Al joined the US Army where he served as a member of the US Peacekeeping force in Korea and rose to the rank of Sergeant. After a short stint in Colorado (where some of Al's children and grandchildren would eventually settle), Al and Barbara returned to NY where they adopted their first child. Soon after, 3 other children would follow. Al & Barbara raised their family in Flushing, NY.  An entrepreneur from the start, Al would start and grow two successful businesses; first a wholesale and retail fish and seafood company(Terry's Fish and Seafood), and then eventually a jewelry business(Al's Fine Jewelry). Al always remembered the challenges he faced while growing up and was always willing to give others a job who might not otherwise have the opportunity.  He was a self made man and a provider for his family.  He made sure that all his children would have a good education, enjoy beautiful vacations, and spend summers out of the city in their summer home in Forked River, NJ.

In retirement, Al and Barbara moved to Forked River, NJ where Al would spend much of his time focusing on his greatest hobby; fishing. He was an avid fisherman and was captain of his cherished fishing boat, The Fishmonger II.  He belonged to the Fish Hawks Club in Forked River.  He also enjoyed tending to his many beloved cats. Al and his wife dedicated a lot of their time to the feral cats which he trapped and released and created a safe haven where he cared for them on his property. Al also enjoyed traveling with his wife and enjoyed going to live music concerts and living it up in Atlantic City, Las Vegas and New Orleans. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and extravagant dining out at The Captain's Inn with his many friends.  Al also loved his sweets, especially chocolate.  A beloved member of the Forked River community, Al was known by many for his sense of humor, quick wit, larger than life personality, and generous heart. He was a friend to everyone and a stranger to no one.  

Al is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Barbara , his children, Denise Miga (and husband Adam), Andrew Henckler  (and wife Nena Davis), Matt Henckler (and wife Siew Ming), and Michelle Fegan (and husband Brian), his grandchildren, Clara Henckler-Davis, Lorelai "Rune" Henckler-Davis, Liana Fegan and Shaelyn Fegan and Al's sister, Joan Dienst and niece, Susan Vincello.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Al's memory to the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge https://ahs.givecloud.co/give and/or 

The Lacey Food Bank https://laceyfoodbanknj.tripod.com/id3.html.

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