Beloved East Windsor Restaurateur Henry Mas Dies At 80

EAST WINDSOR, CT — Henry Mas, a second-generation owner of one of East Windsor's most beloved restaurants, died Tuesday night at his home. He was 80.

With his brother Vincent, Mas owned Henry's Pizzeria on Route 5, one of the longest-tenured dining establishments in the state of Connecticut. It started in 1957 when Henry and Rosita Mas, immigrants from the Valencia region of Spain, bought the restaurant at 255 South Main Street from Rudy Valero and changed its name. Their sons took over operation of the business in 1976, and have remained a fixture ever since.

His obituary on the Leete-Stevens Family Funeral Homes website states, "Henry dedicated his life to working at the restaurant, where he found purpose and a sense of community. He cherished the friendships he made with customers and took great fulfillment in serving them."

The unique flavor of Henry's pizza cheese can be attributed to its unusual blend of five different varieties: provolone, mozzarella, Romano, parmesan and American. Long-standing family recipes have enabled the food to maintain a consistency over the years. From traditional and specialty pizzas, to cold and hot oven grinders, to pasta and chicken entrees, Henry's has always offered a great variety to accommodate all taste buds.

Many longtime customers expressed their condolences to the Mas family and memories of their dining experiences via social media.

• "I am completely heartbroken. I've been going here for 41 years, it's part of my childhood. Just three weeks ago, I thanked him for the delicious food. My parents had been going there since the '70s and my dad since he was a child."
• "We always have our family parties there at the restaurant and we have gone there since we were kids too, and the food is always delicious."
• "Very sad and a loss for our community. My husband and I still have wonderful date nights at Henry’s and he was always there working hard in the kitchen. We will miss his warmth and smile."
• "He was a hard worker and was loved by everyone that knew him. Prayers for his family and friends."
• "So sorry for the loss of such a kind man and great pizza maker."
• "I have continued to stop there at least monthly if not more often since the '80s. I saw Henry working there two weeks or so ago. Always friendly and he’d ask what car I was driving today. He remembered my name all these years too. At one time he helped create a special pizza that I shipped overnight next day air to my brother in Florida."

Mas was predeceased by his former wife, Lorraine. He is survived by four children, three grandchildren, his brother and a sister, as well as his lifelong love, Marie Motta.

Calling hours are slated for Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 5-7 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road.