PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
IndependentsSep 09, 2022
Henne Jewelers Patriarch Jack Henne Dies at 92
Henne, the third generation to helm the Pittsburgh store, is remembered for his humor, humility and generosity.
Jack Henne with his wife of 56 years, Nancy, at Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh. The third-generation jeweler died Monday, Sept. 5 at age 92.
Pittsburgh—John “Jack” Robert Henne, the longtime head of Henne Jewelers known for being humble and giving, died Monday.
He was 92.
A Pittsburgh native born into the jewelry industry, Jack left home to serve on the U.S.S. Fulton, a ship that serviced submarines, during the Korean War.
After the war, he returned to Pittsburgh to work alongside his father, R.G. “Gerry” Henne, in the family jewelry business Gerry’s father, Rudolf Joseph Henne, founded in 1887.
During his tenure, Jack made Henne Jewelers a pillar of Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhoods, first in East Liberty then in Shadyside, where he served as president of the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce.
Jack also was heavily involved in the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association and in his time, was instrumental in making it one of the strongest jeweler associations in the country.
After he retired, he passed the business down to his daughters, Anne and Meg, and his son, John Henne, who eventually bought out his sisters to become the store’s sole owner.
In a statement shared with National Jeweler, Henne Jewelers said its patriarch was known for his “quick wit, quiet philanthropy, and impactful humility.” His integrity and generosity “continue to be hallmarks of the Henne family legacy.”
In 2017, when John was being inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame, he said of all the expertise he’s solicited from jewelry friends and colleagues over the years, the lessons he learned from his father resonate the most.
The most valuable of those lessons was “to always do what’s right, even when it hurts.”
Jack Henne, center, with (from left) his son John, wife Nancy, grandson Luke, and daughter-in-law Dara Henne
Outside of the jewelry industry, Jack and his wife of 56 years, Nancy, were passionate about supporting strong marriages, spending nearly 20 years mentoring younger couples.
They also were devoted to living a life of faith. Jack served on the boards of the Imani Christian Academy and the Garfield Jubilee Association, a local nonprofit focused on community development.
In addition to his wife and three children, Jack is survived by eight grandchildren: Hunter, Kathryn, Sydney, Jack, Sam, Luke, Mark and Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Gerry Henne, as well as his siblings, Father Paul Henne and Peggy (Paul) Oldam.
Friends and family will celebrate his life Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at McCabe Brothers Funeral Home, 6214 Walnut St. in Pittsburgh. A private burial will follow on Saturday.
Contributions in Henne’s memory may be made to The Light of Life Rescue Mission or the Imani Christian Academy.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
