Henderson

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Matthew Scott Henderson passed away at home in the loving arms of his wife with his dog, Lilly Bo Dilly, at his feet. Matt had been living with ALS for the last four years and bravely faced each trial that this horrible disease presented with courage and dignity.

Matt was born March 23, 1963, in Oil City. He was a friend to all and a talented wrestler throughout his high school career. He was recruited to wrestle at Virginia Military Institute, where he majored in civil engineering and graduated as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. While at VMI, Matt formed friendships and bonds that would last a lifetime. Rah Virginia Mil!

After a short time working for engineering firms, Matt started Henderson Construction Fabrics in a small storage shed. Now, 30 years later, it has grown into a business employing many people, working across several states performing thousands of jobs.

Matt’s biggest passion in life was the time he spent in the Dominican Republic, working alongside Haitians and Dominicans to spread the gospel, provide medical care, elder care, support schools and help local churches — this work came together to form the foundation Hope for Hispaniola.

For over 25 years, Hope for Hispaniola has poured its heart into serving the beautiful people of the Dominican Republic. What began as a simple calling has grown into a deep, lasting partnership with local churches and pastors, walking alongside both Dominicans and Haitians with compassion, faith and love. This is more than a mission: it’s a family. Whether it’s sharing a warm meal, teaching children at our school, building homes, leading conferences for men and women, ministering in prisons and orphanages, or walking with those overcoming addiction. Everything HFH does reflects Christ’s love.

The family would like to thank the executive board of HFH: Chris Palmer, Steve Michalik, Steve Hagberg and Jake Vincik, as well as all the volunteers that graciously give of their time to keep the vision and dream for HFH moving forward. To God be the glory, great things he has done.

When not doing mission work or running his company, Matt had a dream of taking a catamaran trip. This came to fruition two years in a row when he captained a ‘53 Catamaran across the Abaco Islands. While piloting every day to a new island, many adventures took place. Some of these included: taking on water while battling swells taller than the boat, “crashing slowly” and pulling up the power cable to a small island with the anchor.

Matt was not defined by ALS. He loved the sunrise and sunset and we loved how he lived his life in between them. He valued spending time with his family and friends above all. He loved riding his motorcycle as well as boating, whether on a catamaran, a fishing or ski boat, and enjoyed playing card games with his family.

Matt will always be known for his sense of humor, his generosity and his unwavering love and loyalty for his family and friends.

Matt is survived by his wife, Jennifer Henderson; his son and daughter-in-law, Maxwell and Yesenia Henderson; his son and daughter-in-law, Wade and Amelia Henderson; his daughter and son-in-law, Grace and Levi Snoeyink; his grandson, Holden Henderson; his granddaughter, Joanie Henderson; his mother, Claire Henderson; his brother, Dave Henderson, his mother-in-law, Roberta Morris; his sister-in-law, Valerie Morris; and his brother-in law and sister-in law, Scott and Kayla Sniezek, who lovingly helped with a variety of matters over the last four years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Henderson; his sister, Susan Kelly; his fathers-in-law, Dennis Morris and Fran Sniezek; and his nephew, Ford Sniezek.

The family would like to express how grateful we are to all our family and friends who have shown so much love and support throughout this very difficult journey. We are forever appreciative of the support offered from the VA administration. There are too many people to name who lovingly and kindly supported Matt by providing supplies, equipment, medications, caregivers, and readily accessible doctors and providers. Matt’s battle with ALS was made lighter by all the kind and caring people at the VA in Butler and Pittsburgh. In addition, we’d like to thank his ALS care team at Johns Hopkins for the excellent medical attention provided to Matt.

We would also like to express our deep gratitude to the ALS Association, which provided a level of support and comfort that can only come from those who have gone through the devastating process of caring for and losing a loved one to ALS. After Matt’s diagnosis with ALS in November 2021, his community and network came out in full force to support him in many ways including, raising funds and awareness for his favorite fundraiser, the ALS CEO Soak.

For the last three years, Team Matt Henderson remained the top fundraiser and showed the ALS community that strength, perseverance and love triumph over any disease. In 2024, Matt and his wife were presented The Voice of Courage Award at the ALS Association’s Annual Holiday Celebration. Let us all continue to be like Matt, as when that day comes and a cure is found, we will remember that Team Matt Henderson helped to lead the charge. Team Matt Henderson will continue to honor Matt’s memory by helping to raise support for 2025 CEO Soak taking place in August. webwpawv.alsa.org/goto/matthenderson.

There are no words to describe the pain of our family and community in losing our husband, father and friend. The gaping hole he left in our hearts and lives will never be healed. Our comfort is in knowing he is no longer suffering and that this is not a permanent goodbye. We know we will be with him again someday and he will be waiting for us with a smile, saying, “Glad you got to see me.”

HENDERSON — Visitation for Matthew Scott Henderson, who died Thursday, April 10, 2025, will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the celebration of life service at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Grace Church of Harmony, 538 Main St., Harmony. A meal and fellowship will follow the service at Steam Fitters, 232 Wise Road, Harmony.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to continue building Matt’s dreams and vision for Hope for Hispaniola, P.O. Box 92, Zelienople, PA, 16037. If you prefer to send flowers, please order from Macri Floral in Mars, at 724-625-3299.

Arrangements are by BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, Zelienople.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at http://www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.