Our most recent member who has passed on

✩  We Remember  ✩

Dr. Henry Hall Jr.

September 15, 1930  –  September 11, 2026

Professor of Humanities and Philosophy, 1968–2015

We are saddened to share the passing of Dr. Henry Hall Jr., a legendary educator, philosopher, and devoted veteran. He passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, just four days shy of his 96th birthday, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dr. Hall’s life was bound to Diablo Valley College. After completing his military service, he enrolled in 1953 at what was then East Contra Costa Junior College, an experience he always credited as the foundation of his lifelong intellectual pursuits. He went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Francisco State University and his Ph.D. in higher education from UC Berkeley. In 1968, he came home to DVC to join the faculty.

For 47 years, until his retirement in 2015, he taught Humanities and Philosophy. Known for his signature bow ties, sharp humor, and unwavering passion, he brought Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates to life. He often reminded his classes that “there is no justice amongst unequals,” and he challenged generations of students to never accept easy answers and to always think for themselves. To thousands of alumni, he was a true DVC legend.

Above all, Henry was a devoted family man. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Hatsuko Nishihira Hall, and his cherished granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Hall (1989–2020). He is survived by his daughter, Susan Hall Wentworth; his son-in-law, Don Edward Wentworth, who walked alongside him through his final years; and his grandson, Kai Hall Nitto, in whom his curiosity and wisdom live on.

His legacy of intellect, integrity, and warmth will endure in the hearts of his family, his colleagues, and the generations of students he inspired to see the world a little more clearly.

Diablo Valley College Retirees Association  ·  In Memoriam