Henry G Dimitris Sr.

On March 8, 2026, Henry G. Dimitris Sr, 86, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away, with his wife, Linda Garside Dimitris (Hertz,) by his side, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, stubborn opinions, dancing shoes that saw plenty of action, and a family who adored him. On July 16, 1939, he was born to the late Gust H. and Catherine (Groff) Dimitris. He grew up to become exactly the kind of man people remember forever: sarcastic, funny, a little rough around the edges, and the true definition of a rough tough cream puff. If you knew Henry, you probably heard a joke, received a blunt piece of advice, or got pulled into a story that somehow got better every time he told it. In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by A LOT of siblings: George, Grace, Gust, Harold, Helen, James, Richard, Robert, and William. He is survived by his loving and extremely devoted sister, Mary Dimitris, who knew better than anyone that behind Henry’s tough exterior was a very soft heart. As a young man, Henry attended Lancaster City Schools but stepped out after the 8th grade to help support his very large family. Like many things in his life, he approached it with determination and hustle—shining shoes and finding other creative ways to earn a buck. That same work ethic stayed with him his entire life. Henry retired from Burnham Corporation. He also retired from Millerville University Housekeeping, where he was known as The Candyman, for passing out Wintergreen Lifesavers, to one and all. Apparently, retirement didn’t stick, because he and his Wife for Life, Linda, also ran their own side hustle, cleaning business offices. If there was work to be done, Henry believed you did it, probably cracking a joke or being a wiseass, while doing it. One evening, in 1997, Linda walked into the Amvets. There was only one seat available at the bar. Beside that empty seat sat Henry. They didn’t know it yet, but that was the beginning of their beautiful well-deserved fairytale of love. Linda asked Henry if anyone was sitting there. Henry said, “You are.” He bought her a drink or two; they danced the night away; and six weeks later they got engaged. Apparently, at their ripe old age they didn’t want time to waste. Henry shared 29 years of friendship, laughter, love, and adoration with his Wife for Life, Linda. October 9, 2025, they celebrated 26 years of “the good ole ball and chain.” Together they meshed two families into one; that was the pride and joy of his life. As if meshing two families isn’t hard enough, Henry thought he would throw cancer in there, not one type, but three types, throughout the years. He beat all three types of cancer during the meshing process. Henry having cancer had a silver lining; we became a family! Henry left behind six children. He was always telling stories about his three mischievous, naughty, yet handsome sons. By the sound of his stories, they were fortunate to have survived their teenage years. They are, oldest to youngest, Henry Jr., James, and Jeffrey. He often bragged about his beautiful daughter, Katherine Dimitris (Dwayne Fitzgerald). Linda brought to the marriage two daughters, Paula (Hertz) married to David Palm of Ephrata, and Lauren Hertz married to Ronald Focia of Lancaster; who latched on to Henry like leaches, weaseling their way into his heart. He had no choice but to realize he was now the proud father of “The Brady Bunch” six perfect, well-behaved angels. Henry’s legacy is continued through his nine grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart: Amanda, Hank III, Luke, Julina, Jeremy, Domenic, Lucas, Georgie, and Tessa. As if that wasn’t enough chaos for one man, Henry also loved to let his inner child come out to play when he was around his sixteen, wild and crazy, great-grandchildren; who no doubt inherited his spirit. When he was around the great grandchildren, everybody else didn’t matter. They had all his attention. He loved painting Easter eggs, doing crafts, and having water fights with them. When he wasn’t keeping his family entertained, Henry would be found putzing around in the yard, in his shed, or sitting on the deck, with his Wife for Life. They would listen to music while birdwatching and playing with their beloved rescued fur babies, Andy and Jenny. Henry would sit outside for hours basking in the sunshine and enjoying the warm wind blowing through his hair. When it was cold outside you could find him inside watching some of his favorite cop shows. He, also, loved watching Maury Povich and yelling, “You are NOT the father!” or watching the circuses play out on The Jerry Springer Show. He enjoyed taking Linda out to eat and dancing at the AMVETS or the Riverside Club. He believed life was meant to be enjoyed, preferably with family, good music, good company, and always a few smart remarks thrown in. When Henry was around, it was understood there would be comic relief and outlandish stories. Those who knew Henry remember a man who said exactly what he thought, whether you liked it or not. He loved deeply and lived life his own way. You could hear his boisterous belly laugh over a loud crowd; you always knew where he was at a party. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Henry's funeral service on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 3PM from the Melanie B. Scheid Funeral Directors & Cremation Services, 3225 Main Street, Conestoga. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:30PM to 3PM. Private interment will be held in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Bausman. In lieu of flowers, contribute to your favorite charity, tell a good joke, say what you really think, spend time with loved ones; and for God’s sake, if there’s music playing, get up and dance! For other information please call 717-872-1779 or to submit an online condolence visit www.melaniebscheidfh.com.

Henry G Dimitris Sr.

July 16, 1939 - March 8, 2026