Obituary of Henry H Almquist

Henry “Hank” Almquist, a retired Medford Fire Lieutenant passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He was 77 years old. Hank was born in Sand Lake, Wisconsin. He was one of seven children born to Henry and Clara Almquist. He grew up and was educated in Rockford Illinois. He enlisted at the age of 17 in the Navy and served from July of 1957 and until March of 1961. He served on the destroyer, USS Beatty for much of his military service. There was a great comradery with the crew of the Beatty and Hank faithfully attended many of the reunions held all over the United States. He was very proud of his service to his country, the US. Navy, and his contribution to keeping the United States safe during the Cold War. After his military service, Hank settled in Medford. He was fortunate to become a member of the Medford Fire Department. He worked his way up the ladder in the fire department and after 28 years with the department he retired holding the rank of Lieutenant. Hank considered being a fire fighter a noble and honorable profession. Because of his ability to work under stress, ability to make quick and safe decisions, understanding that training is one of the most important tasks to keep his men safe, he was a strong and well respected leader and mentor to his fellow fire fighters. Not only did loved the job, but men and women of Engine 4 in Medford who were like his second family. After retiring from the fire department, Hank worked almost 10 years at MIT Lincoln Labs as a classified courier. Hank’s retirement years were spent on the road. He and his companion, Joan, purchased a mobile home and traveled all over the United States. They visited almost all the States in the Continental United States. They visited all the countries historical landmarks, natural wonders, and any other location or scenery worth exploring. They were in no rush to get anywhere. On one particular trip, it took them 3 months to drive cross country to California. Then they had to drive home. In more recent years, winter destinations were Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida and the summers were spent at York Beach, Maine. Hank’s home had a resort feeling to it. He spent endless hours maintaining his lawn, flower gardens, and shrubs. Joan always had inside projects for him as well. His pool was his pride and joy. He religiously maintained the water quality so that it was always perfect for grandchildren when they came to visit. He loved to entertain. The summer parties were always around the pool with Hank managing the grill. He enjoyed hosting all the holidays and family celebrations. He simply valued the company of family and friends. His family could always count on him for a good laugh. He was always happy to see his family, and he often had funny words of wisdom to share, and a song to greet everyone with. We will be forever grateful for all of our time together. Hank was the loving companion of Joan Sarjeant of Burlington. He was the father of Kathy Almquist of Ann Arbor, MI, Teri Almquist & her husband Tom Rudden of Haverhill, Pattie Almquist of N. Oxford, Barbara Curtis & her husband Denis of E. Hampstead, NH, and Linda Kinsella of Haverhill. He was the stepfather of Debi Connors of Chico, CA, Dianne Connors of Brownsville, VT, Gayle Connors of Woburn, Thomas Sarjeant & his wife Jane of Winchester, Marjie Sarjeant Banks & her husband Dennis of Wilmington, and Jimmy Sarjeant of Manchester, NH. Hank was the brother of Jack Revels of Rockford, IL, the late Martha Blowdorn, Phyllis Ronk, Joyce Halfman, Douglas Almquist, and John Revels. He was also the grandfather of 12 and great grandfather of 2. Funeral services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be Friday at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. The burial will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorial donations in Hank’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St , Framingham, MA 01701 or www.cancer.org.