Peter Henderson Obituary

Peter (Pete) Howell Henderson, 94, died peacefully on July 2, 2025, joining his beloved wife, Shirley (née Schneider), of 63 years. He was born on November 25, 1930 to James Murray Henderson and Marion Howell Henderson of Wakefield, Massachusetts. He is survived by his three children: Carl (Carolyn), Jane, and Robert (Joanne); four grandchildren: Rachel, Peter, Emma, and Owen; and two great-grandchildren: Leon and Evy.
Growing up, Pete spent summers at his family's cottage in Kennebunkport, Maine. He attended Dartmouth College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952 with emphases in math, economics, and architecture. Outside his studies, he hiked the White Mountains with the Outing Club, did community outreach with the Christian Union, and managed the college rowing team. He went on to earn a Master of City and Regional Planning from Harvard University in 1957. During his time in Cambridge, he met Shirley on a blind date. They wed in 1957 and moved to her hometown of Lakewood, Ohio, where they raised their family and resided for 56 years.
Pete worked at several city, regional, and state planning organizations in the Cleveland and Columbus areas during the 1960s and 1970s. He capped his professional career with a 26-year tenure as executive director of the non-profit Cuyahoga Valley Communities Council, working with representatives of the newly-formed Cuyahoga Valley National Park and its surrounding communities. He was also appointed, then elected twice, to serve on the Lakewood Board of Education from 1970 to 1979, twice assuming the role of President.
Pete was an avid reader, bibliophile, and member of the Rowfant Club, acting as its President in 2008. A clarinetist as a youth, he continued to make music by playing alto and tenor recorder in local ensembles. He enjoyed photography, Baroque music, and dining out with family and friends while sharing tales of New England, his college years, and his Scottish heritage. Pete's intelligence, kindness, and fair-mindedness will be greatly missed.
Memorial contributions may be forwarded to Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation, 14100 Franklin Blvd., Lakewood, OH 44107. lakewoodrangers.com
All services are private.
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