Obituaries

Dr. Henry J. Papiernik Ed. D, 87

May 29, 2022

“Dr. Hank” Henry Joseph Papiernik Ed.D., of Willow Street , PA, passed away on May 29th, 2022 at the age of 87, with family by his side. He was the loving husband of the late Florence W. Papiernik, with whom he shared over 57 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Henry was the son of Henry J. Papiernik and Apolonia (Kubinski) Papiernik. Henry was an alter server with his younger brother Richard at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church and attended St. John’s High School in Manayunk, PA. In 1957, Henry enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed in the 4th Armored Division in Ulm, Germany, and proudly served his country until 1963, when he was honorably discharged.

Dedicating his life to education, Henry was a teacher, a principal, and finally a superintendent. He was an incredibly dedicated and hardworking man, and he had many degrees from Villanova University, Glassboro University, and Temple University.

Henry was a published author and had many hobbies. He enjoyed metal-detecting, volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America and cheering on the Villanova Wildcats and the Philadelphia sports teams. But above all else, Henry’s greatest pride was watching his family grow, change, and learn. His children gave him great joy, and he was so proud to be a grandfather.

Surviving Henry are his 6 children: Lisa Wullschleger (Richard), Henry J. Papiernik (Tracey), Brian Papiernik (Denise), Dawn Botley (Paul), Alex Papiernik (Maria), and Greg Papiernik (Suzanne); also surviving is one brother, Richard Papiernik, 17 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Henry is preceded in death by his parents, and loving wife, Florence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 3 at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, located at 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601, with a viewing from 10-11 AM, and Mass beginning at 11 AM. A graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery on New Holland Pike, Lancaster 17601, directly following Mass.

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Condolences to the Family

February 16, 2025

Mr. Papiernik was my principal when I was a student at Sidney Smedley Elementary in Morton in the early 70’s. He cared about his students. I know he cared about me. He was very visible and a part of daily life. His daughter Dawn was my classmate. She was a great student and friend. My condloences to his family and my respect to the memory of Mr. Papiernik.
Gene Redding

December 01, 2024

Throughout my life I have tried to find Mr. Papiernik. Today I tried a Google search in a different way and up he popped! I was saddened since my discovery was made through his obituary. He was my 5th and 6th grade teacher in the 1960’s. I loved him and will never forget how he motivated me to be an excellent student, which up until then I did not know I was capable of. I had even saved assignments I did for his class way into my 50’s. He made me proud to have my efforts affirmed by him. He made a monumental impact on my life and I became a teacher because of him. I am 71 yrs old now. I wish I had found him sooner. I would have loved to have connected with him to tell him how important he was to me and the life changing influence he had on me. He sounds like he had a wonderfully full life. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Joyce Reyhan,
Retired Speech Pathologist and Special Ed Teacher

April 19, 2023

As a kid he was such a great influence when I attended Sidney Smedley Elementary in Morton Pa. I was a small town kid and he made me feel like I could do anything. I was part of one of the last classes before it closed. Such a great man. I’m late with my condolences and may this great man rest in peace.
Carlton Bagby

January 13, 2023

What a wonderful gift I had, to have “Mr. Papernik” as my teacher for 5th and 6th grade in Willingboro NJ. God bless his soul.
Diane Duff

November 22, 2022

In the early 70’s when I was teaching at the Sidney Smedley School, Henry Papiernik was our principal. He used to leave little notes of inspiration and support all over the building for the teachers to find. It was a wonderful time, a wonderful school and he was a great principal. I extend deepest sympathies to the family, especially Dawn who made our classroom so much fun. I know how much your dad loved you all.

June 04, 2022

Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. RIP GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

June 02, 2022

So sorry for the loss of your father.
With Deepest Sympathy

Visitation: Friday, June 03, 2022; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; St. Leo the Great Catholic Church; 2427 Marietta Avenue; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Friday, June 03, 2022; 11:00 AM; St. Leo the Great Catholic Church; 2427 Marietta Ave.; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >