Obituary of Henry Urquijo

Henry Urquijo passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, June 27, 2026, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, New Jersey, surrounded by the unwavering love of his devoted family. He was 82 years old.

Born on February 11, 1944, in Genova, Colombia, Henry spent his early years traveling throughout Colombia as his family followed the military career of his father. They eventually settled in Bogotá, where he grew up. In 1965, Henry immigrated to the United States, making his home first in Queens, New York, before settling in Ridgefield, New Jersey, where he and his beloved wife built a life together and lovingly cared for the home they shared for more than 40 years.

Henry dedicated much of his career to hard work and craftsmanship. He worked as an elevator mechanic for Flynn Hill Elevator Company in New York City for 21 years before continuing his career as a maintenance foreman for several companies throughout New York. He retired in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, reliability, and pride in a job well done.

To know Henry was to love him. He had an extraordinary gift for making people laugh and an infectious sense of humor that could brighten any room. Whether sharing a perfectly timed joke, telling one of his unforgettable stories, or simply enjoying the company of those he loved, Henry made every gathering more joyful. He was a cherished husband, a proud and loving father, a deeply devoted grandfather, a loyal friend, and the favorite uncle to so many. During the 54 wonderful years he shared with his beloved wife, Ellen, he made her laugh every single day. His larger-than-life personality and natural ability to entertain often left people saying he should have been in the entertainment industry.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Luis Maria Rodriguez and Blanca Alice Urquijo, and his siblings, Gloria Irma Rodriguez, Rodrigo Rodriguez, Jairo Rodriguez, and Jorge Rodriguez.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Ellen M. Wise Westfall Urquijo; his loving daughters, Jennifer R. Carvajal and her husband, Johnny, of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey, and Nicole Trolaro and her husband, Dan, of Parsippany, New Jersey; his two adored grandsons, Jayden and Christian Carvajal, who brought him immeasurable pride and joy; his siblings, Leeda Stewart, Lee Jaramillo, William Urquijo, Fabio Rodriguez, Gloria Ines Barragan, and Martha Gaertner; as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Henry's kindness, laughter, unwavering love for his family, and generous spirit will be remembered always. Though he will be profoundly missed, the countless memories he created and the joy he brought to everyone fortunate enough to know him will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

The family has chosen to hold no public funeral services. Instead, they wish to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to those who knew him. For those wishing to honor Henry's memory are invited to make a memorial contribution to Alzheimer's or dementia research.

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