HENRY RICHARD MAAR, JR

LTC. Henry “Hank” Richard Maar Jr., US Army, Ret.

June 26, 1938 – September 21, 2023

Henry Richard Maar Jr. passed away September 21, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Margaret Maar, his daughter Laura Maar, his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Kristi Maar, and his son Henry Richard Maar III, Ph.D. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his sister Maretta (Maar) O’Leary of Yonkers, New York, and an array of nephews and nieces.

Henry was born June 26, 1938 in Manhattan, New York, to Henry Richard Maar, MD, and Greta Lillian Griffithies, RN. Henry attended Trinity School in New York City where he was captain of both the wrestling and soccer teams. He enrolled at the College of William and Mary where he was involved in the ROTC. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1961 and was commissioned second lieutenant in the US Army shortly after.

Henry served two tours during the Vietnam War and saw combat during the Tet Counter-Offensive. His valor earned him (among other recognitions) six battle stars and the Bronze Star Medal. He would later obtain his master’s degree in military science from the University of Reno, Nevada, and retired from the Army in 1998 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Henry married Margaret Carr at Saint Benedict’s Church in Bronx, New York, May 28, 1972. The family moved from New Rochelle, New York, to Southern California in 1977 where Henry became Chief of Personnel for the VA Medical Center, West Los Angeles, and later their Director of Environment of Care, Emergency Preparedness Coordination. He was a resident of Simi Valley for over forty years.

Henry’s love of animals—especially fish, turtles, tortoises, and reptiles (to say nothing of cats and dogs)—was passed down to his children. He enjoyed camping, gardening, fishing, painting, hiking, and collecting coins and shells along the beach. He loved going to the movies as well as watching boxing, college football, golf, and shows about UFOs and earthquakes. He coached all of his children in little league soccer and supported them in all their endeavors. He was an active member of the Saint Francis Episcopal Church where he volunteered his expertise in curating the roses and frequently read from the lectern. In addition, he gave presentations to classrooms across Los Angeles Unified School District on earthquake preparedness. In retirement, he enjoyed going to his mountain retreat in Pine Mountain Club, CA, where he delighted in watching the birds, the abundant wildlife, and the beautiful scenery.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Simi Valley, CA. His final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Bronx Zoo.