- Date Of Birth: December 14, 1922
- Date Of Death: November 12, 2013
- State: Connecticut
Henry P. Dart, Jr.
Henry P. Dart Jr., of Bethel, CT passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday November 12, 2013at the age 90.
He was born to the late Henry and Eleanor Dart on December 14, 1922 in New York, NY. Henry graduated from Power Memorial High School and entered Iona College, New Rochelle, in 1940. WWII interrupted his education plans and in 1943 left school to join the army.
Henry’s journey to Connecticut began when his first son was born with downs syndrome. Unable to find adequate programs for his oldest son he began looking beyond New York and discovered that Connecticut had established some advanced programs. In 1958 he moved his family from Mineola, NY to Westport, CT. After arriving in Connecticut, Henry also became actively involved in two organizations: Connecticut Association for Retarded Children (CARC) and National Association for Retarded Children (NARC).
In the late 50″s, Henry became treasurer and later president of CARC. During his years with CARC he was asked by Governor Demsey to serve as advisor on a mental retardation planning project. This project was completed in March 1966 and was used a guide in other states. In 1962 while serving as state president, Henry had the honor of watching JFK sign into law the first federal legislation on behalf of those with special needs. Henry served as budget chairman and later treasurer of the National Association for Retarded Children. After 15 years of volunteer work for those with downs syndrome and mental health problems he retired from CARC and NARC due to health issues.
His work career included stops at TIAA and the Ford Foundation from which he retired from in 1984. Henry was a gourmet cook and enjoyed traveling, dancing, golf, poker, and the Y’s Men of Westport.
Henry is survived by two children: James Dart and his wife Christine of Weston, CT and Nora Swift and her husband Jay Swift of Bethel, CT. He also is survived by three grandchildren; Caroline Dart, Jacqueline Dart and Christopher Swift. His son Thomas Dart and daughter Mary Barron predeceased him.
