Obituary of Henry Seger

Henry D Seger, 83, of Peekskill, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Sunday, December 22, 2024. 

Born November 17, 1941, in Peekskill, to Lynward and Marie Hrdlicka Seger. He was the youngest of three brothers, Lynward (Sonny) and Allan. His father died when the boys were young and they were raised by their mother. She was a very dedicated mother who utilized her Catholic faith to guide her in raising her boys.  All three of them grew up to have successful careers. Henry stayed in Peekskill, built his businesses here, and spent his life in this community that meant so much to him.

At Peekskill High School, Henry was an outstanding athlete, excelling in both football and swimming and won the ConEd award as a member of the Swim Team.  This same drive and passion followed him in life.  After high school, Henry went to work in the oil and propane industry, first at Paraco and then Esso (which became Exxon). He wanted more for his family,  and he decided to strike out on his own in the late 1960s when in his mid-twenties, he founded his own successful heating oil company in Peekskill, Heatwell Oil  (“When Winter Shivers, Heatwell Delivers” was the tagline on the back of all of their trucks, with their signature penguin, his favorite), that became a mainstay of the community for 30 years. He gave back to the community all along the way, as an active member of the Elks Club and the Lions Club, marching in parades, giving his time to volunteer, and donating whenever possible to support all local community activities. Henry sold Heatwell Oil in 1997, but began a new heating oil business with his son Ken, Economy Fuel in 2007, where he worked until the very end.  People would wonder why he didn’t retire. It was all about a true love and passion for his work. It was so much a part of who he was and his business brought him so many good things, like friendships and time with his son.

All while building Heatwell Oil, he was also building a family.  Henry was a very dedicated and loving father to his 3 children, Ken, Stacy, and Kim.  After a divorce when his children were young, Henry was a single father who raised the three of them and gave them the most amazing childhood, for which they are forever grateful, and the love they have for each other is immeasurable. This extended out to all his grandchildren, and the many annual big family trips brought so much joy (and so many “grandpa dancing” videos!). For Henry, it was all about family and the time they spent together. He was always there for them creating wonderful experiences and memories.  They all made time for dinners out or visits to each other’s homes. For Henry, it was all about the more the merrier and having a good time, which always included a few cocktails.  

Henry loved all animals but had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his beloved Toby. Henry would often share his steak dinner leftovers (and anyone else’s!) with his precious dogs. 

His favorite holiday was Halloween, and his Halloween display at his house in Peekskill was the stuff of legends, with a home-built pirate ship, hundreds of skeletons, and numerous theme displays.  Plus he would buy over 1,000 full-size candy bars to give out, and to see all the kids' faces light up at the display and the candy bars made his heart full every year. In fact, it also made the adults smile maybe even more than the kids!  We were so thrilled he had the opportunity to enjoy it again this year. 

Henry is survived by his longtime partner, Patty McGrath, and his children, Ken (Becky) Seger and Stacy (Dan) Murphy. He is predeceased by his beloved daughter Kimberly in 2020.  He is the beloved grandfather of six grandchildren: Frank (Samantha), Kayla and Sean Murphy and Matt (Claire), Sarah and Michelle Seger, and two great-grandchildren, Devin and Riley Murphy. He is also survived by Patty’s children, Kerry (Matt) Appel, and Frank McGrath, and grandchildren Joseph, Matt, and Grady.  

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of The Assumption 920 1st St, Peekskill, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00 am.

Private Cremation Ceremony to Follow.

In lieu of flowers donations in Henry's memory can be made to the The Kimberly Seger Charity Foundation  or SPCA Westchester 

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