Henry Stickell

In Loving Memory of Henry Nelson Stickell

August 1, 1943 – April 14, 2025

Henry Nelson Stickell, Masters in Library Service, aged 81, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison Township, NJ.

Born on August 1, 1943, in Paw Paw, West Virginia, Henry was the beloved son of the late Nelson H. and Iris C. (Needy) Stickell, and the cherished grandson of the late Harry N. and Millie (Biser) Stickell. A devoted husband, Henry was married to Betty Jean (Barber) Stickell, with whom he shared a life grounded in love, support, and shared purpose.

Henry was a man of great intellect, unwavering dedication, and gentle humility. He devoted over four decades of his life to the advancement of medical library sciences. For 34 years, he served as the head of Circulation and Access Services at the Gustave L. and Janet W. Levy Library at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine of The City University of New York. Prior to that, he contributed eight meaningful years to the Welsh Medical Library at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

An accomplished scholar and respected professional, Henry graduated from Glen Burnie Senior High School before pursuing higher education at Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey. There, he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Library Service degrees and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Henry, his wife Betty Jean, and Rodger Wilhelm, soon to be brother-in-law, found their three-piece band, Two Hits and a Miss, playing in the American Bandstand.

Henry's influence extended into academic publishing and research. In collaboration with his esteemed mentor, Dorothy R. Hill, he co-authored Brandon/Hill Selected List of Print Books and Journals in Allied Health and A Major Report, Scientific Books for Medical Librarians (Spring 2001, Vol. 22, No. 2 and Fall 2002, Vol. 23, No. 4). His thoughtful storytelling also found a place in A Reader For Developing Writers, Second Edition by Santi V. Buscemi.

Throughout his career, Henry contributed significantly to the field of medical library science. His research, housed at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, includes nine research works with 143 citations and over 650 reads—testament to his enduring impact on academic and clinical communities.

Henry and Betty shared a passion for travel and adventure. Together, they explored many foreign countries and historic cities around the world. One of their cherished traditions was their annual February trip to the Lake Tahoe region, where they enjoyed skiing, the beauty of the Nevada desert, and the rich history of mining towns across the state. These journeys were a celebration of their shared curiosity and love for discovery.

Henry was also a proud member of the General Assembly Mouse Lodge 3000, where he gave back to the community he cherished.

He will be remembered fondly by many, loving cousins, nieces and nephews. By his aunt Milderd E. (Stickell) Lynn, husband James Lynn and cousins Tesse Swope, Jimmy and wife Linda, Ricky and wife Debbie, and Diana (Lynn) and husband Tom Bauer. As well as his sister-in-law, Beverly Ann (Barber) Wilhelm, and her husband, William Rodger Wilhelm, along with their children: David, Sharon, Pamela, and John. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Henry's life was marked by quiet service, intellectual curiosity, and a deep love for his family and profession. His legacy will endure through his contributions to medical librarianship, his published works, and the many lives he touched with his kindness and wisdom.

Services to honor and celebrate Henry’s life are as follows:

Visitations:

Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Chapel Service:

Friday, April 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM

All services will be held at the Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742.