C. Henry "Knox" Carlton

C. Henry "Knox" Carlton

Henry Carlton, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, respected businessman, and community leader whose life was marked by achievement, service, perseverance, and love.

Henry was born in York, Pennsylvania, and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. During his childhood, he spent several years living with his beloved grandparents, Robert and Pearl Keenheel, in York. He was the cherished son of Erlene R. Scott, who was a constant source of love and support throughout his life.

Henry was a proud graduate of William Penn High School in Harrisburg, where he excelled in both football and basketball. During the 1950s, he made history as the first basketball player in the old Central Penn League to score 1,000 points.

He continued his education at Tennessee State A&I University, where he was a starting basketball player for three years. As a member of a historically Black college basketball team that made history by winning the NAIA National Tournament three times, Henry was part of an extraordinary chapter in college basketball history. His college coach, John McLendon, was one of his greatest heroes and an important influence throughout his life. In April of 2024 the Tennessee State University basketball team was recognized at the White House by Kamala Harris for their historical achievements.

Henry began working at the age of 13 in a dry-cleaning business. He later worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for eight years before earning his Pennsylvania Property and Casualty Insurance License. After gaining experience in the insurance industry, he opened his own business, the C. Henry Carlton Insurance Agency, located at the corner of 17th and Market Streets in Harrisburg.

For 28 years, Henry proudly operated his agency and became one of the first Black licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Brokers in Pennsylvania. He was particularly proud of the example his business provided to young people in the community. He believed that children who saw his agency as they traveled to and from school could be inspired to pursue careers in the insurance industry and other professions.

Henry was committed to serving his community. He served as a board member of the Camp Curtin Branch YMCA and as president of the Edgemont Community Swimming Pool. He was a longtime resident of Susquehanna Township, where he had lived since 1976. He also enjoyed his years as a Mason and Shriner and valued the many relationships and experiences he gained through his community involvement.

While Henry accomplished much throughout his life, his greatest pride and joy came from his family. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Martha "Bunny" Phoenix Carlton, for more than 60 years. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, family, and memories.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Martha "Bunny" Phoenix Carlton; his daughter, Karen Carlton Mosley; his son, Rahsaan Carlton and his wife Shanee Carlton; and his five grandchildren, Ali Safiya Mosley, Sydnii Ranee Carlton, Nile Chad Mosley, Alyssa Reed Mosley, and Rahsaan Lateef Carlton Jr. Henry was immensely proud of all five of his grandchildren, especially celebrating the accomplishment of each becoming a college graduate.

Henry will be remembered for the barriers he broke, the opportunities he created, the community he served, and the family he loved so deeply. His legacy will live on through the lives of his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Camp Curtin Branch YMCA in honor of C. Henry Carlton.