Henry C. Van Houten of Monticello, NY and Lake Como, FL passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 73 years old.

Born on July 28, 1948 in Middletown, NY, Henry was the eldest son of the late Henry M. and Isabel McCord Van Houten.

He was a heavy-duty mechanic with Teamsters Local 445 and Operating Engineers Local 825. He was a long-time member of the Woodridge United Methodist Church and former assistant Sunday school superintendent there.

He had a lifelong passion for drag racing. He did everything, from building to painting. There is a race car that he helped build in the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FL.

He was a member of the Monticello Fire Department’s Auxiliary, East Coast Gassers, Dover Reunion and the Hudson Valley Timing Association. He raced at many local drag strips in the 1960s and 1970s. He resumed racing in his late 60s.

Henry loved his family, to sing, smile and he enjoyed his chicken barbeques. If he wasn’t in the house making his mother’s famous pickles, you could find him either in the hay fields or in the garage tinkering.

His friend said it best “He wasn’t a jack of all trades; he was a master of them. People that knew him can attest to his vast knowledge of all things mechanical, structural, wood, metal, plumbing, electric and carpentry. The guy was truly an amazing walking encyclopedia.”

Henry was predeceased by his wife, Mary Devoe Van Houten; son-in-law Michael DySeven and grandson Henry J. Van Houten.

He is survived by his children, Henry E. Van Houten (Patty), Danielle Van Houten, Theresa DySeven, Andrea Mathews (Jeff) and Brittany Van Johnson (Robert; by grandchildren Christina (Sterling), Anthony, Julia, Elise and Gemma; by siblings Eileen Daunt (Robert), Linda Palkovic (Robert), Edward Van Houten (Linda)and Philip Van Houten (Gina; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The wake was held on June 5 at Millspaugh Funeral Home. A memorial service was held on June 6 at the Woodridge United Methodist Church. Cremation followed and interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Donations can be made to the Woodridge United Methodist Church or to the Monticello Fire Department.

The family asks that if given the chance, you become an organ and blood donor. Without these vital things we wouldn’t have had him these past five years.

Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.

For directions or condolences, visit millspaughfuneralhome.com.