Henry Sleight

May 1, 2017

Henry Sleight (Mike to family and friends) lost his valiant struggle with lung cancer and passed away to be with our Father in Heaven on May 1, 2017. He would have been 79 years old on May 6. He was the very best husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend in the world. He is survived by his wife of 53+ wonderful years of marriage, Donna Stafford Sleight, who says that he was the love of her life and is so thankful that the Lord trusted her to take care of him for all those years. They have three of terrific sons together, Scott (Jennifer), Tedd (Maureen), and Dougg. He is also survived by six beautiful grandchildren: Matthew (Denise), Brittany (Frank), Kathrynn (John), Tristynn, Brandon, and Leesha and one of the sweetest great-grandsons Dean (parents Matthew and Denise). Mike is also survived by sister-in-law Lauren Ellis (Steve), nephews Christopher (Juliana), Andrew and many other loving family members and friends Mike grew up in Schenectady, New York, working with pipe organs during his teenage years. He was proud to be a veteran of the United States Army, and after his service, Mike's career was spent in Broadcast Engineering in New York City. In retirement, he continued pursuing his love of pipe organs. He realized his life-long dream of working with the team who are restoring the famous Boardwalk Hall pipe organs, the Midmer-Losh, which is the largest in the world, and the Kimball theater organ. Special words and comforting thoughts which were sent from family and friends: He was wonderful! And he was the best Grandpa we ever could've asked for. Everyone fortunate to have known and or worked with Mike is greatly saddened by his passing. It was a privilege and honor to know him and a major piece of our lives will always be missing. He was a good friend and memories of him are all so comforting. To me he was one of the best men I have ever known. I always appreciated Mike's thoughtfulness and dedication, and after our work paths diverged, his great sharing of radio and TV history. Of all the people that I knew from working at Boardwalk Hall, Mike was my favorite buddy to work with and to just have a good conversation with. We will all miss his pleasant demeanor and smile. Mike had a great sense of humor and was always there for anyone who needed help. I am so happy that I got to know him. What a guy! Mike's entire "family" at Boardwalk Hall is devastated by the news of his passing and sends prayers and affection. He was a very special friend and esteemed member of our rag tag family caring for those two instruments he loved so much. We know he is in a better place, but that does not fully heal the loss we all feel now. He will be greatly missed by all of us at Boardwalk Hall. His dedication to bring back the pipe organs was an inspiration to us all. I always looked forward to the time we were together in our work at Boardwalk Hall. He was always there for me when I needed him. My prayers go out to you and your family as you deal with his passing. We have lost a great friend and are left with wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. We will have all sorts of emotions as we remember Mike's humor, the love he had for his family and friends and the job he did at the Hall. It would be typical of Mike, I think, to call it a "joy" and not a "job". Working with all of our friends at Boardwalk Hall on a project that we all love being a part of is a major highlight of my life. But Mike was a large bright spot in that picture, his always pleasant demeanor, his bright eyes and simple little smile always made me happy to see him. Mike's serious devotion to our project was infectious as he constantly sought perfection in every project. He would want us to continue what we are doing as we all give our time and effort to make this restoration happen. God will take care of him now. In his wallet, he always carried a card, which read: As I go forward step by step, the way will be opened up to me. Proverbs 4:12. There is a saying: " Angels are watching over you; Wings wrapped gently around you; Whispering you are loved and blessed." Mike, we know you were called to heaven to fix all the angels' harps. God speed dear one. In lieu of flowers please donate to The Historic Organ Restoration Committee (HORC), 2314 Pacific Av., Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 at Lowenstein-Saraceno Funeral Home from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm. Eulogy by Pastor Gregory Smallwood at 7:30pm.