Henry D. Sinopoli, PhD passed away, with his wife at his side, as the result of his bicycle being struck by a vehicle on his way to the YMCA in the City of Butler. Henry was born on July 28, 1945 in Pittsburgh, PA to Henry A. and Millie (Santillo) Sinopoli. A Veteran, having served honorably, in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict.
Dr. Sinopoli retired as a public school superintendent in June 2006 from Keystone School District in Knox, PA after serving more than 35 years in public and private education, as a Teacher of English, Assistant Principal, Principal, Supervisor of Special Education, Director of Human Resources and Superintendent. He received his undergraduate degree from Duquesne University along with degrees and certifications from: Point Park University, Youngstown State University, Carnegie Mellon University H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management program and completed an earned doctorate at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, in Administrative Leadership. Henry is a graduate of Duquesne University, Paralegal and Benefits Institute. He was a certified professional business coach, trained by Action Coach International.
In 2005 and 2006, Henry was selected as part of a Fulbright Scholarship team to participate in the Sino/American Principals' Forum where he taught at Suzhou University, Beijing University and Shanghai University. His academic focus centered on professional development for school administrators.
He created, and certified a United States Trademark for specialty clothing, marketed and managed the sales process.
Most recently, Henry immensely enjoyed working as a TIPS staff at the Butler County Courthouse.
Henry loved his Butler community and was involved in too many organizations to list in fear one might be overlooked.
Henry met the love of his life, Jocelyn R. Howard, while working at Butler Junior High School.
They were married on December 29, 1992 at Holy Sepulcher Church by Father Lester Knoll, his beloved friend and spiritual advisor. Henry, an only child, was easily loved and adopted by the Howards. His proudest title became "Uncle" and he loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. They would often ask him for advice and then would laugh that if you asked Uncle Henry a simple question, you knew you wouldn't get a simple answer. He would research to be sure he was giving you the absolute best advice he possibly could.
Henry bragged that he had the best mother-in-law in the world and claimed the #1 son-in-law title from her (even if he was the only son-in-law). She loved him like a son and he took good care of her.
Education was most important to Henry. He made it a point to read and learn something new every day.
He spent a lot of time learning about faith, blue zones, brain, philosophy, business and so much more. He shared his love of education by always recommending and lending out books on a variety of topics from his extensive collection.
Henry is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jocelyn, his mother-in-law, Leona R. Howard of Butler, brothers-in-law Craig (Margaret) Howard of Prairieville, LA, Gene (Sheila) Howard of Washington, PA, Curt (Mary) Howard of Mullica Hill, NJ, and sister-in-law, Joan (Ray) Howard Harris of Mars, PA, 13 nieces and nephews along with their 9 spouses and 26 great nieces and nephews. In addition to his human family, he is survived by his Portuguese Water Dog, Bentley and preceded in death by his beloved yellow lab mix, Plato, adopted at the "Fur Ball." Henry is also preceded in death by his father, Henry A. Sinopoli, his mother, Millie (Santillo) Sinopoli, his father-in-law, Clarence W. Howard, and brother-in-law, David C. Howard.
Henry began his teaching career at St, Bartholomew's in Penn Hills and at time of death he served on the Butler Catholic School Advisory Board. It is this passion for his faith, education and children, and the great respect he had in the direction and leadership of Sister John Ann Mulhern and Father Kevin Fazio, that makes it most fitting that, in lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to Butler Catholic School, 515 E. Locust Street, Butler, PA 16001.
Henry certainly made an impression on everyone he met, and will be mourned and never forgotten by his many friends and family who loved him. Family and Friends of Dr. Henry Sinopoli will be celebrating his life with A Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, at 10:00 am, at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 North McKean Street, Butler. Private Entombment to be in the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery.
If you are unable to attend or don't feel comfortable in a gathering please join us at the link below to be a part of Henry's Mass.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89702187360
Meeting ID: 897 0218 7360
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