Deacon Henry P. Fierst Jr.

   MANVILLE — Deacon Henry P. Fierst Jr. died June 22 at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. He was 62.
   Born in Somerville, he had been a resident of Manville all of his life.
   Prior to becoming a deacon, Mr. Fierst worked for various banks as a Small Business Administration lender and most recently was a life insurance salesman for the Knights of Columbus.
   He served in the U.S. Air Force as a translator during the Vietnam Conflict.
   He was a faithful communicant, deacon and lector at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Manville. While serving his community as a permanent deacon, he was known for his touching homilies that drew many parishioners back to church to hear his next message.
   He was an original founding member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council 6573.
   Surviving are his wife, Theresa (Wesnesky) Fierst; two daughters, Jennifer Graf of Basking Ridge and Karen Fierst of New York City; a son Henry III of Manville; four brothers, Daniel of Flemington, Robert of Bound Brook, Kenneth of Lebanon, and James of Hillsborough; one sister, Carol Giambrone of Glen Gardener; and two grandchildren.
   A funeral liturgy was held June 26 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hillsborough.
   Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home in Manville.
   Memorial contributions may be sent to the Knights of Columbus, St. Jude Council 6573, P.O. Box 82, Manville, 08835.