Henri Pell Junod, Jr.

Henri Pell Junod, Jr., known to everyone as Hank, died on August 22, 2026. He was 82.

Hank's life was full. He was a teacher, coach, dean, historian, philanthropist, trustee, traveler, and devoted member of several communities. But to the people who knew him best, he was a friend.

Hank was an only child and understood especially well the importance of creating family through friendship. He had a remarkable ability to make friendships last. He remembered people, kept in touch, and took genuine pleasure in the lives of those around him. He loved good conversation, a spirited debate, a baseball game, a tennis match, a round of golf, a shared meal, and—above all—the company of people he cared about.

Hank was born in Cleveland on January 23, 1944, to Henri P. and Gertrude Junod. He attended Hawken School when it only went up to eighth grade and graduated from Salisbury School in 1962.

Hank was proud of his American ancestors, among them Robert Livingston, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who also negotiated the Louisiana Purchase; William Floyd, another signer of the Declaration; and James Duane, mayor of New York City from 1784 to 1789.

He took great pleasure in knowing the stories of those who had come before him. His grandfather was Swiss Consul General to the United States, and family history included a General Junod who served in Napoleon's army.

These interests led him to a career in education. He taught at Hawken School, University School in Cleveland, and St. Andrews-Sewanee School in Sewanee, Tennessee. He was a beloved history and political science teacher, a revered soccer coach, and Dean of Ninth Grade.

He believed education could open doors and that a teacher's influence could last far beyond the classroom. He expected a lot from young people, but he also believed in them, encouraged them, and celebrated their accomplishments. Many of his former students and athletes would say that Hank remained their teacher and coach long after they left school.

Hank was a trustee of the Western Reserve Historical Society, Lake View Cemetery and the Central School of Practical Nursing. He was a member of Hawken’s Board of Trustees Visiting Committee, University School Headmaster's Club, University Hospital Leadership Council for the Orthopedic and Cardiology Departments.

He was on the vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights and donated to the repair of its stained-glass windows.

As a boy, he spent his summers at his family's cottage on Higgins Lake in Roscommon, Michigan.

Later, he winterized the cottage so he could stay through the winter. Hank helped coach the soccer team at Roscommon High School for nine years, including a trip to the state finals. He was Vice President of the Roscommon County Community Foundation, and co-chair of the capital campaign for the Emergency Department at Munson Healthcare Hospital in Grayling.

Hank founded the University Hospitals’ Chair of the Department of Dermatology. He endowed a chair at Hawken School in history and established the Henri P. Junod, Jr. Library Fund, and established the Henri P Junod, Jr. Model United Nations program at the Cleveland Council of World Affairs.

He was a member of the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club, Tavern Club, and Kirkland Country Club.

Hank is survived by his second cousins Lucy Ireland Weller, Cornelia Ireland Hallinan and George R. Ireland, and his godson, James D. Ireland IV.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Higgins Lake Foundation, POB 753, 207 Terrace Dr., Roscommon, MI 48563; University School, 2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley, OH 44022; and Hawken School, 12465 County Line Road, Chesterland, OH 44026.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 27 at 3 p.m., at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club, Gates Mills, Ohio.