Dr. Armondo “Bookie” J. Henriquez
Bookie was born on June 19, 1934, to Rafael and Francis Henriquez in Key West, Florida. He had a desire at a young age to attend college, so he began selling newspapers and doing odd jobs throughout his teenage years to make his dream come true. After graduating from Key West High School in 1952, he went to Florida State University and then went on to earn a degree in Pre-Medicine from the prestigious Duke University. In 1963, he completed a Master of Arts in Education degree from Western Carolina University and in 1980, a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Union of Experimenting and Philosophies University. He also served his country in the Army and Army Reserve.
When he returned to Key West in 1958, he began an amazing 37-year career as an educational leader. He was a teacher at heart and felt strongly about public education and the ability of one teacher to forever change a life. His career started as a science teacher at his alma mater, and he quickly moved to become a guidance counselor due to his strength in building relationships. Dr. Ruth Alice Campbell tapped him to be Assistant Superintendent and in 1968 he became Monroe County School District Superintendent of Schools, a position he held for 24 years. As a passionate leader, he transformed the school district into a School-Based Management system with trust and confidence. He firmly believed that effective principals and assistant principals were the key to great schools and he worked tirelessly to provide training and support. As Superintendent, he made major impacts including setting a goal for computers for every student and creating the Superintendent’s Young Reader’s Award, one he proudly gave to the recipients himself. Monroe County was the first district to desegregate all schools, which took team building and community relations which he excelled in. Due to his close working relationship with the military, he was able to assist the district in obtaining the administrative property on Trumbo for $1 where a building bearing his name stands today. Among his many educational recognitions, some of the most prestigious was being named Superintendent of the Year for the State of Florida and chosen by the Governor as a delegate to visit the educational system in Japan. His passion for our community and his unwavering belief in public education enriched the school district in countless ways and left an indelible legacy.
In 1958, Bookie married the love of his life, Judy Stone, and created an amazing family. Their life was filled with family events, many friendship gatherings, community events and traveling the world. Trusted friendships blossomed and they created countless memories that included their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all their friends. The Henriquez household was always a lively place with a welcoming open door.
In 1994, Bookie retired from the Monroe County School District and began his second career at Fringe Benefits Management Company. In 2004, he retired and spent his time traveling, working on puzzles and watching sports with family. He also made his life-long ambition of learning to play the piano a reality. He credits his masterful teacher, Yehuda Guttman for this accomplishment.
Bookie was predeceased by his father, Rafael; mother, Francis; brothers Ralph (Moe) and Julio (Waffie); his brother-in-law Jose Pepe Rodriguez, his beloved niece, Isabel Rosado and his son-in-law, Thomas Butler. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Judy, his sister, Juanita Rodriguez, and sister-in-law Teresa Henriquez; his children Debbie (Thomas), Lori, Michael (Gaby), Frannie (Sam), Stephan (Claudia), and Joseph (Ashley). Bookie and Judy were blessed with grandchildren, Daniel Padron, Evan Tingley, Ryan Tingley, Michael Henriquez (Alexis), Amanda Henriquez-Shultz (Henry), Anthony Henriquez, Kevin Florez, Nicholas Henriquez, Roman Faraldo, Payton Brees (Brecker), and Mateo Ospina; great-grandchildren, Treydell, Tyrie, Zachary, Zamia, Jachai, Amairi, Kailani, Sarai, Shai , Roman, Josiah, Avianna, Ava, Grayson, Camryn Rae, Evan, Maxon, Phoenix, Ula. Each has brought them such joy and kept them young.