Richard "Rick" J. Henderson

HENDERSON, Richard “Rick” J., 70, of Barrington, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2020 at RI Hospital. He was the loving husband of Diane (Ridgway) Henderson for 43 years. Born in Waukegan, IL to Martin and Edna (Hoggan) Henderson, Rick grew up in the San Fernando Valley of CA. 

He studied mathematics at California State University-Northridge. He enjoyed a career as a computer systems analyst and senior engineer working for Sperry Corporation in various locations. In Newport, RI he met his dear wife while working in the Naval Underwater Systems Center computer labs. Rick honed his computer programming skills working on the Trident submarine operating system. In the 1980’s, the couple lived in Wilhelmshaven, Germany where they wrote software for NATO naval forces. Later, in his second career Rick designed kitchens for homes across RI and MA first at Home Depot and then Lowe’s, combining all his talents.

Rick had many interests and abilities. From an early age and throughout his life, he exhibited an exceptional aptitude for fast mental math calculations. He designed and played military simulation board games, and studied game theory and probability/statistics. In his spare time, he could be found reading from his extensive curated library of World War II history books, playing chess and bridge, or discussing politics, economics and the U.S. Constitution. He was also an avid fan of the Los Angeles Rams and Dodgers.

A person of great integrity, he challenged others to think, valued lifelong education, believed in each person’s individual agency, and was kind to all. His family was his joy! In addition to his wife, he is survived by son Carlton; daughter Courtney and Paul Johnson; granddaughter Audrey Johnson (age 1); sister Elizabeth Henderson of Brooklyn, NY; and niece Catherine Jones of Oregon. His parents,  brother Robert Henderson, and nephew Ronald Henderson predeceased him.

Please, raise a glass of German wine or beer in happy memory of Rick. Calling hours, Friday October 16, 2020 from 4 PM- 6 PM in the Smith-Mason Funeral Home 398 Willett Ave Riverside, RI 02915. Burial will be Saturday  at 10:00 AM, October 17, 2020  in  Prince’s Hill Cemetery,  County Road, Barrington. Join us;. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Boston PBS (GBH) or RI PBS (WSBE)

Please Visit smithmason.com for online condolences.