Henry Joseph Deforest

Henry J. DeForest, Jr., 81, Moneta, VA, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Point Pleasant, NJ, on February 29, 1944, to the late Henry Joseph DeForest, Sr. & Clara Deitz DeForest. Hank was also preceded in death by his brothers, George and Robert; sisters, Mary, Eileen and Debra.

Hank raised his family in Beachwood, NJ and moved to Smith Mountain Lake, VA in 1990. Hank started his career as a master plumber and then owned and operated Smith Mountain Dock. Hank served in the United States Army, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow award for his lifelong commitment to the values and volunteerism of the Rotary Club of NJ and VA. Hank will forever be remembered as a selfless man who cared deeply for his family, friends and breakfast buddies.

Surviving is his wife, Geraldine, the love of his life of 25 years; his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Michael Clarkson; grandsons, Michael, Jr. and Jack, of FL; his son, Henry, of NJ; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Vicki; granddaughters, Gabby and Gracie, of TN, his daughter, Michelle and granddaughter, Autumn, of TX; daughter, Debra, of NJ; brother, Richard, of SC; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Fran English, of NJ; step-daughter, Jessica and grandchildren, Jaycee and Isaiah, of VA; step-son and daughter-in-law, Johnny and Brandy and grandchildren, Codey, Trevor and Raven, of VA; great-grandchildren, Nevayah, Jackson, Ben, Max, Ryan and Turner and bonus granddaughter, Emily.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the facility that took amazing care of Hank in his final days, the Bedford Hospice House, 1025 Turning Point Road, Bedford, VA 24523.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Pastor David Janney officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Land Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior before the service at Updike Funeral Home, Bedford.