Henry (Hank) Edward Protzmann, 79, resident of Milford, NH, died April 29th, 2011 at Carlyle Place in Bedford, surrounded by family and special caregivers, after a decline in health from suffering a stroke.

Hank was born in Staten Island, New York on May 8th, 1931 and was the son of the late Henry and Helga (Thysenius) Protzmann.

He grew up in Lowell and Holyoke, Massachusetts. Henry graduated from Deerfield Academy and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and earned a Master’s degree in Textile Engineering from North Carolina State University. He served in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Ranger with the 101st Division “Screaming Eagles” from 1953 to 1955 and was a proud veteran.

He resided in East Greenwich, RI for many years, where he was commodore of the East Greenwich Yacht Club and had a long, distinguished career in the textile business at Soluol Chemical Co. and CNC Chemical Corp. He moved to Milford, NH in 1999 to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

He was an avid sailor, reader and fisherman, loved to spend time in his gardens, was a true and loyal fan of all Boston sports teams and was a well known spectator at his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Family members include his sons and daughters-in-law, Hank Protzmann of East Greenwich, RI, Dan and Nancy Protzmann of Amherst, NH, LtCol (Ret. USMC) Chuck and Nancy Protzmann of Bow, NH; his sisters, Greta Cullison of West Newton, MA and Andrea Van Gestel of Rockport, MA; 4 grandchildren, Sam Protzmann, Matt Protzmann, Annie Protzmann and Reece Protzmann; his former wife, Lydia Protzmann, and 13 nieces and nephews.

A very special thank you to the staff at Carlyle Place in Bedford for their ongoing kind and compassionate care.

A private family graveside service will take place on Friday, May 13th followed by a life celebration at the East Greenwich (RI) Yacht Club on May 14th, starting at 4:00pm with a special tribute to Hank at 5:00pm.

All who would like to celebrate Henry’s life are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Hank’s love of animals and his patriotism may be made to your local humane society or to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.wounded warriorproject.org or PO Box 758516, Topeka KS, 66675-8516.

To leave an online condolence message to the family please go to www.smith-heald.com.