Henry “Hank” Tessier, 78, of Vero Beach, Florida, previously of Chicopee, Massachusetts for 51 years, died unexpectedly on October 10, 2026. His wife, Carol, and family were with him in his final moments, and their grief and shock at his sudden passing is surpassed only by their profound gratitude for the life he lived so well, with them at its very center.

Hank was born on September 26, 1948 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to Joseph and Claire Tessier. He and his four siblings, Roy, Thomas, Carolyn, and Patricia, grew up in Chicopee, and he graduated from Precious Blood High School in Holyoke with the class of 1966.

Good with his hands, Hank’s catchphrase might as well have been, “I think I can fix that!” Duct tape was his best friend. After completing a tool-and-die apprenticeship, Hank worked for a decade at the Acme Chain Corporation in Holyoke before becoming a machinist at Spalding/Callaway in Chicopee, where he was employed for thirty years. His work ethic was unparalleled. Sometimes clocking 90-hour weeks, overtime didn’t scare Hank; he saw it as a way to pay for a special vacation or gift for the family.

Hank lived for his family. He married Carol A. Tanguay on May 15, 1967 in her hometown of Granby, Massachusetts, and they raised their four children, Steven, Cathie, Laurie, and Jennifer, in Chicopee. Unafraid to freely express his feelings, Hank was a hugger! He never hesitated to show his love and his pride in his people. He adored Carol and strived to do whatever it took to make her happy. Put simply, Carol was his queen. They had a true partnership and a completely selfless relationship that served as a model of loving devotion. Hank’s children remember him as a playful dad who enjoyed serving as a leader in the Boy Scouts for many years, cheered their accomplishments, and wiped away their tears. They all knew him as a good listener, as someone they could turn to, no matter what.

Hank’s generosity of spirit extended to all he encountered. Utterly without pretense, and good to his core, Hank saw the good in everyone. His goal in life was to make people happy and give them a laugh. He never took himself too seriously—a trait that revealed both his essential humility and his natural exuberance. The first to get out on the dance floor and the last to leave, Hank’s eyes really did twinkle, his smile seemed ever-present, and he was always down for crazy antics with his brothers-in-law Larry Chartier and Marty Denette, each of whom he referred to as his “brother from another mother.”

If phrases like “he’d give you the shirt off his back” or “he had a heart of gold” or “best grandpa ever” seem over the top, well…you didn’t know Hank. He really was that generous, that good, that much fun. He served for six years in the National Guard, an extension of how he willingly lent a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He epitomized the line from the television show Ted Lasso, “Be curious, not judgmental,” in how he gave grace to everyone, never judging a soul, and always making others feel welcome. He was a loyal friend and just plain good company.

Biannual family picnics were a highlight of Hank’s year, and vacations to Maine, Cape Cod, Florida, and Aruba often became intergenerational adventures. Hank always made time to capture special moments with pictures that now serve as visual testament to how very much he cherished all those lucky enough to be held in his big heart. He lived by the maxim that life is meant to be enjoyed. Whether scouring the beach with his metal detector, finding bargains at tag sales, listening to music, swimming, playing cards (especially cribbage), cheering on the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots, puttering around the house and fixing things, or, best of all, hanging with his grandkids. Hank enjoyed the heck out of life, finding happiness and spreading it wherever he could.

Hank was predeceased by his parents and sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Carol Tessier, of Vero Beach, Florida; his children and their partners, Steven Tessier (Kerry) of Ludlow, Massachusetts, Cathie Moreschi (Brad) of Nashville, Tennessee, Laurie St. Marie (Gary) of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and Jennifer Wilkie (Chris) of Wilmington, North Carolina; eleven grandchildren, Tara Accorsi, Mary Tessier, Maya Moreschi, Reid Moreschi, Luke Moreschi, Bradyn St. Marie, Liam St. Marie, Caleb Wilkie, Camryn Wilkie, Shaelyn Wilkie, and Brianna Lawlor; six great-grandchildren; his brothers Thomas Tessier and Roy Tessier; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

All who loved Hank love him still and are shattered by the void left by his death. It seems impossible that he is not here in this moment to offer a hug, listen to sorrows, wipe away tears, and try to bring out a smile. There’s comfort in imagining him as the life of the party, just as he always was, and knowing he’ll continue to make his presence felt through little signs and blessings in the lives of those who knew and loved him. We’ll be keeping our eyes and hearts open for them.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of any gifts or flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.