Cecil M. Henriques

Cecil M. Quixano Henriques, 93, of Neptune, NJ transitioned from this life on Thursday, December 19, 2019 with his loving family by his side.  He was born on July 13, 1926 to the late Gerald Benjamin Quixano Henriques and Isabelle Lee Henriques in Manhattan, NY.  In 1930, his parents relocated to New Jersey. The property owned by their family, on the corner of Neptune Boulevard and W. Lake Avenue, eventually became known as the BIG HOUSE. Cecil was affectionately referred to as ”Brother” by his family.

Cecil and his siblings received their religious education in Sunday School at St. Augustine Episcopal Church. He had been a dedicated member for over 85 years. He was trained as an acolyte, was a member of the Usher’s Guild, Men’s Club, Men’s Choir, volunteered as a gardener, and handyman. He loved his church and his church family. He created many fond memories through the years.

Following graduation from High School, he purchased his own truck and transported goods throughout the United States.  He was drafted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean conflict.  His course of study in the Army was mechanics.

After he completed his military service, Cecil married Gloria H. Richardson. From that union, seven children were born. During that time, he earned a living as a tractor trailer driver for Bilkays, which later became Jersey Coast Freight Lines. He worked for them until his retirement.  He also worked at Monmouth Memorial Park Cemetery with his best friend, Elmer, for several years. Once retired, he detailed cars with his son-in-law for the U.S Post Office and various dealerships.

Some of his favorite pastimes were spent with his family at THE BIG HOUSE sitting around the dining room table, barbecuing in the backyard, watching the horse races, and being entertained by WWF Wrestling.  He enjoyed repairing cars, lawn mowers, basically anything mechanical. He was an all-around handyman. He lived by his motto “No Matter The job Big or Small, Do it Right or Not at All.”

He was predeceased by his sisters, Geraldine Roberts, Elaine Mills, and Ada Robinson; brothers, David, Gerald, and Milton Henriques; son, Cecil M. Quixano Henriques, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Valerie Young, Viveca Graham (Todd), Michael Henriques (Kathy), Elaine Henriques, Cecilia Henriques, and Benjamin Henriques (fiancée Paula V.); grandchildren, Amber (Jules), Jasmine, Mia, Briana, Tim, Mike, Siani, Milon, and Emeri; great grandchildren, Brielle, Zeke, Melanie, and Nova; brother, Kenneth Henriques; sisters-in-law, Zelma Henriques (Gerald) and Benidita Henriques (Milton); and former wife, Gloria Richardson Henriques.  He will truly be missed by his church family, relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cecil M. Henriques, please visit our floral store.