Terry was the coach of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, a standout at the University of Miami (Florida) and in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.
Highlights
- Terry Henry, a revered figure in Pennsylvania high school football, passed away at the age of 75.
- He is survived by his wife, Debbie Kerschbaumer Henry, their children, and grandchildren.
- Henry’s career included successful coaching stints at East Brady High School and Seneca Valley High School, as well as serving as the athletic director at Seneca Valley.
Terry Henry, a revered figure in Pennsylvania high school football, passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 75, after a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Kerschbaumer Henry, who he married in 2007, and their children, Patrick and Brian Henry, as well as Debbie’s daughters from a previous relationship, Danielle Stitt and Deanna Robinson.
The couple had 10 grandchildren: Diana, Cecelia, Sydney, Jordan, Liam, Jax, Gabe, Reed, Cam, and Braya.
Terry Henry’s friends, family, and community have expressed condolences, with many reflecting on Henry’s impact both on and off the field.
Terry Henry Began Coaching In 1972 At East Brady HS
Henry’s coaching career began at his alma mater, East Brady High School, where he served from 1972 to 1983.
During this time, he mentored future Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly.
Kelly’s admiration for Henry was evident during his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2002, where he stated,
He was a Jack of all Trades. He was our trainer, equipment manager, teacher, counselor and father all rolled up into one. Terry, the fact that you remain so close to my family to this day speaks volumes. You will always be a key ingredient to why I made it as far as I did.
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In 1984, Henry took over as head coach at Seneca Valley High School.
Under his leadership, the Raiders achieved their first playoff appearance in 1989, advancing to the WPIAL Class 3A championship game.
Former player Larry Wendereusz recalled Henry’s innovative approach,
He implemented a spread aspect to our Wing-T scheme. He called it the Wing-T H and the ‘H’ stood for Henry. He was adapting to the changing times.
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Henry’s contributions extended beyond coaching. He served as Seneca Valley’s athletic director until 2004, advocating for the advancement of all sports within the district.
Former varsity softball coach George Trew noted,
He worked to improve all sports at Seneca and was always there, always willing to help.
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Throughout his career, Henry received numerous accolades, including inductions into the Seneca Valley Hall of Fame (2013), Butler County Hall of Fame (2014), and Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Hall of Fame (2017).
Coach Henry Will Be Missed By All Those Who Knew Him
The news of Henry’s passing has elicited an outpouring of memories and tributes from former players, colleagues, and community members.
A Facebook group dedicated to Seneca Valley alumni featured comments such as:
Terry was a good friend and colleague that touched the lives of so many young athletes over the course of his years as Coach and Athletic Director at East Brady and Seneca Valley. May his legacy of sportsmanship and leadership never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Buddy!
Facebook
Grateful for his investment in my life and so many others. Praying for his family and friends. You will be missed.
Facebook
As the community reflects on Terry Henry’s life and legacy, his impact on high school athletics and the countless individuals he mentored remains evident.
Additional Information
- Terry Henry was born on August 1, 1949, to late parents Helen “Maxine” Walters Henry and Henry Christopher “Bud” Henry.
- He graduated from Slippery Rock University (SRU), PA, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in education and played football for the college team.
- Before SRU, he attended East Brady High School, where he excelled in football and basketball.
