We Remember John Henning

Posted July 09, 2010

AFTRA National Board Member

John Henning, AFTRA National Board member, died on July 7 after a brief battle with leukemia. He was 73.

Henning's professional achievements are exemplary. He had been a radio and television reporter, a TV news anchor and commentator in Boston for more than 45 years and over the span of his career had worked for all three Boston network affiliates.

His contributions to AFTRA reflected the same dedication and high standards he demonstrated as a broadcast journalist. An AFTRA member for some 45 years, Henning served his union with great distinction, becoming a highly respected voice in the Boston Local boardroom and on the AFTRA National Board. After joining AFTRA in 1965, Henning almost immediately became involved as a union leader, and was elected to the Local and National boards in 1968 and continuously served for more than 40 years. From 1970-1971 he served as National Vice-President. 

At AFTRA’s Convention in 2003, Henning received the AFTRA Gold Card, the highest honor an AFTRA member can receive.

Henning leaves two sons, Matthew Henning of Winchester and Gregory Henning of Boston; five brothers, James Henning of New York City, Michael Henning of Charleston, S.C., Daniel Henning of Jacksonville, Fla., Paul Henning of Glen Cove, N.Y., and Peter Henning of Keyport, N.J.; and three grandchildren.

A funeral Mass took place July 13in St. Joseph Church in Boston.

The Boston Local will be working with Henning's family to establish an AFTRA Scholarship in his name.

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Remembering John Henning

AFTRA members and staff recall their friend and colleague.

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We admired his ability to speak out eloquently and passionately about important issues, we also immediately saw a man of humility, warmth, generosity and old-fashioned good manners. Someone who preferred finding out about you rather than talking about himself.

Paul Horn
AFTRA Boston Local President

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John was a gentleman in word and deed.  He loved the truth and spent his life telling it, both as a journalist and as a unionist. His devotion to AFTRA and the rights of working men and women was clear and unequivocal. Over the years, he repeatedly offered me support and direction that I value to this day. It is an incredible honor to call him my friend and colleague

Roberta Reardon
AFTRA National President

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I am very deeply saddened by this news. John and I became good friends through AFTRA and the political primaries in New Hampshire and always shared dinner whenever we met..  There is no one I respected more; no one who's views I share more; no one who was more of a testament to all that is good about the practice of journalism and brotherhood of unions. I will really miss him.

Dick Kay
Co-winner of the AFTRA Gold Card with John Henning, 2003

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John was a true institution in Boston, as he was in AFTRA. His dedication to the highest of journalistic standards was matched by his dedication to his union. 

Dona Sommers
Boston Local Executive Director

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John could bring the National Board or Convention floor to laughter with his Irish jokes but they usually made a point to the matter under discussion. He was urged many times to run for President but he refused saying he promised his wife he would not, a promise he kept.  His counsel was very valuable to me as first local and then national president.

Shelby Scott
AFTRA National Vice President

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I am broken hearted to hear of John's passing. He has been an outstanding example of a broadcast  journalist, and a guiding and loyal union member. I have many wonderful memories of meetings and Conventions shared.

Deb Pettit
Washington/Baltimore

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He was a lion.

Matt Kimbrough
AFTRA National Treasurer

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That beautiful man, so long a part of our meetings, our gatherings, my deepest sympathy.

Sally Stevens
Los Angeles

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John was one-of-a-kind.  Fearless and kind. He was a tremendous mentor to me when I first became active in AFTRA.  I will miss him.
 
Jayne Bower
Detroit Local President

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John was truly one of a kind - in the best sense of that idea. He will be missed.

Lainie Cooke
AFTRA National Recording Secretary

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My family watched John for years in Boston—his election and political coverage was outstanding.

Bill Thomas
AFTRA Los Angeles Executive Director

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He was a rock solid newsperson and a dedicated union member. His wisdom, integrity, and humor helped to guide us for many years. We, as AFTRANs and as broadcast journalists, were truly graced by his presence among us. 

Joe Krebs
Washington/Baltimore

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His extensive knowledge of AFTRA history and constitutional issues was a priceless gift over the years, from ancient days of deferred agendae to generations of conventions.

Susan Boyd Joyce
Los Angeles

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So sorry. What a good guy John was.

Bill Ratner
Los Angeles

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In the News

Newsmedia tributes and obituaries

John Henning walked tall
Boston Herald • July 9

Hub TV news legend dies at 73
Jessica Heslam • Boston Herald • July 9

John Henning, Veteran WBZ Reporter, Dies At 73
WBZ  • July 8 

Legendary TV newsman John Henning dies at 73
Jessica Heslam • Boston Herald • July 8

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