Henry Joseph Magnan
Fairfield – Henry Joseph Magnan ascended into heaven Sunday, January 23rd, 2022, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Fairfield, Vermont. Henry was born on his family farm on December 7, 1926, son of Leonidas J. and Anna (Perrault) Magnan. Henry was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church serving and supporting the parish in many ways. In addition, Henry supported the community of Fairfield in numerous roles throughout his life.
Shortly before his birth, Henry’s family relocated from St. Alexis, Canada to Fairfield. Henry embodied his French-Canadian heritage and learned the English language in a one-room schoolhouse. Henry was an early adopter of innovation and steward of the land.
Henry married Loretta Howrigan of Fairfield, on August 15, 1959, at St. Patrick’s Church. Throughout Henry’s marriage with Loretta, their combined faith and devotion to the Catholic Church gave them strength and happiness.
Henry and Loretta were blessed with eleven children and showed by their loving example the importance of faith, values, and work ethic. Henry, with Loretta by his side, unconditionally loved his children for who they are and was proud of their many accomplishments. Both Henry and Loretta nurtured the success of their family farm, which has grown to become Magnan Bros. Dairy. Throughout his life of 95 years, Henry was well known for his infectious smile, and unwavering generosity.
Loretta predeceased Henry on June 18, 2021. Henry is survived by his daughter Gabrielle Tiffany and her husband Michael, their children Emmett, John and his wife Cassie, and their daughter Elizabeth; Michelle, Hannah and her fiancé Owen, and Margaret; Joseph and his children Shannon, Thomas, and Maria; Martin and his wife Susan and their daughters Elizabeth and Sarah; Sarah Bentley and her husband Thomas and their sons Fletcher, Sawyer, and Joseph; Peter and his wife Margaret and their children Jacqueline, Colin, and Ryley; Mark and his wife Judy and their sons William and Colby; Brendan; Matthew and his wife Elaine and their sons Isaiah and Ezra; and Andrea. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Teresa Manahan, and her husband John; F. Virginia (Mawn) Howrigan; and scores of beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Henry is predeceased by two of his children, Francis Anthony, who died February 19, 1979, and Jeremiah Edward who died in infancy; and his daughter-in-law Karen (son Joseph’s wife); his many siblings including Napoleon, Rose, Joseph, Euclid (Florence), Leonidas (Loretta), Gertrude (Pete), Gabrielle, Laurentia, and Monica (Bud). He was also predeceased by his in-laws, D. Francis (Neva), W. Robert; Dr. Thomas G., Sgt. Raymond J. Howrigan U.S.M.C, Harold (Anne), Mary Connor (Bernard), Rose O’Connell (Emmett), and Kathleen Connor (Frederick).
There will be no public calling hours.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon, Friday, January 28th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Church Road, Fairfield. Interment will be held at a late date in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Patrick’s Parish, P.O. Box 18, Fairfield, Vermont 05455 or St. Patrick’s Cemetery Association, c/o Aaron Reynolds, 24 Old Quarry Road, St. Albans, Vermont 05478.
Honored to be serving the Magnan family is the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com
