Our father, Henry Norman Metzger, born January 29, 1930 died on February 10, 2026 at 96 years and 11 days old.
What a dash he had. He was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1937, after Hitler had taken over Germany. His family came with nothing and worked their way to the American Dream. Henry graduated from Forest Hills High School and attended New York University night school, working during the day.
He graduated with a business degree. His entrepreneurial spirit had shone through from a young age: He started shining shoes in the median on Broadway at the age of nine and he quickly learned to speak English playing ball in the streets with the other kids. He was a veteran and served in the Army for two years during the Korean war from 1951-1952.
He married Doris May Silver in 1958 after meeting her by sneaking into a dance meant for Columbia students only. In 1960 they moved to Rochester to start his Manufacturers Representative business. He loved his work and was rewarded handsomely for that.
He finally sold the business and retired at the age of 75. One of Henry’s first loves was tennis. He was a life long member of the Tennis Club of Rochester. He was very athletic and passed his love of being physically active to his children.
He lived a very full life and showered his family with unconditional love. This past Thanksgiving the whole family came to Rochester to celebrate the holiday with him. And, just 11 days ago, we celebrated his birthday with all his friends who became his extended family at Wolk Manor. He also recently spoke on the phone with out of town family and a number of friends. David was with him on Monday, and he spoke about the super bowl. Apparently he had given up on his longtime love, the Buffalo Bills. Now he is back to playing tennis with his favorite mixed doubles partner, our mother Debbie Doris Metzger, who left us way too young 40 years ago in 1986.
The staff, management and residents of Wolk Manor became his extended family. They took care of him like he was their own family member. Just last week, he went to the Memorial Art Gallery on the bus with staff and residents. Everyone at Wolk brought a smile to his face and he would always greet them with a big hello!
He is survived by his long time partner, Josephine Lamantia; his children, Amy (Peter) and David (Mara); five grandchildren, Bayla (Matt), Leah (Eric), Josh (Maddi), Zoe and Jaime; and two great grandchildren, Judah Henry and Sadie Rose.
