Obituary of Henry Francis Kielblock

Henry Francis Kielblock, 81, passed away Friday, June 28, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, PA, surrounded by his loving family. The son of Henry Woodrow and Antoinette Pisani Kielblock, Henry grew up in North Plainfield and graduated from North Plainfield High School. His college career includes a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a master’s degree from Trenton State College, as well as many postgraduate courses.

Henry met the love of his life, Lenore Farley, in high school.  They married in 1965, lived in Piscataway and Somerville, NJ, with their children Henry James and Elizabeth Ann. For the last years, Henry and Lenore lived in Asbury, NJ, where they enjoyed country living and the many birds and animals that visited their home.

During his lifetime Henry enjoyed various hobbies, always going deeply into each one. An avid traveler, Henry and his family visited more than 50 National Parks and National Historic sites, as well as Alaska, and Europe. Perhaps the highlight of their travels was a photographic safari in Kenya.  Throughout his life he was able to pursue his love of photography with special emphasis on nature, flowers, animals, and birds.  Travel allowed Henry to enjoy camping with his family, fly fishing and his passion for bird watching.

Henry was an extremely popular teacher.  He began by taking a teaching position simply as a job, and soon realized it would be his life’s work.  He spent most of his career as a teacher of history and philosophy in Piscataway High School.  There he made many lifelong friends among the staff and the students.  He made a difference in so many lives, not only academically, but also by leading the chess club and coaching golf, always focusing on the person, not just the skill.

After his retirement from Piscataway High School, Henry and Lenore were able to continue their travels. At this point, Henry began bird watching in earnest, ending up as the Site Director of Scott’s Mountain Hawk Watch at Merrill Creek Reservoir, which he led for 20 years, bringing him many wonderful friends and great joy.

Henry is survived by the love of his life, his wife Lenore Farley Kielblock, his son Henry James Kielblock, daughter-in-law Carolyn Taliaferro, and their children Henry Alex and Jules Ann, as well as his daughter Elizabeth Kielblock Holdren, son-in-law Jeffery Holdren and their children Katie Ann and Allie Rachael. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Kielblock Drake, and many cousins.

Friends and relatives may visit with the family Monday, July 8th, from 4 PM until 7 PM, at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, July 9^th at the Immaculate Conception Church, located at 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale NJ. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations made to 

Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA, Attn: Julie Brown, 151 Antrim Rd., Hancock, NH 03449) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, would be appreciated. Please Click Here to Donate to St. Jude’s