Joseph Lawrence Ennis

JAMESVILLE < Joseph Lawrence Ennis passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, at the The Nottingham Residential Health Care Facility in Jamesville. Joe was born Feb. 19, 1913 in the Bronx. He attended Fordham Preparatory School for Boys in the Bronx where he was a member of the swim team. He remained an active member of the Fordham Prep Alumni Association during his lifetime. He entered Notre Dame University in 1930 but contracted polio during his second year and was forced to return home to recuperate. He enjoyed rooting for Notre Dame his entire life. After completing his college requirements at Manhattan College in 1934 with a degree in business, he joined his father and brother in the Joseph L. Ennis Real Estate Firm in New York City. During World War II, he enlisted in the Army, where he served as a captain in the Army Corps of Engineers. It was during his Army career that he met and married Lt. Teresa Mary O"Connell, also from the Bronx. After the war he joined John J. Reynolds Real Estate Firm in New York City. During the latter part of his long career in commercial real estate he worked with the Joseph Murphy Real Estate Firm in New York City, retiring at the age of 87. He was a communicant at St. Gabriel"s Catholic Church in Riverdale, a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in New York City, a member of the American Legion Riverdale post and a member of the Real Estate board of New York City. He served as president of the board of his cooperative apartment building at 3875 Waldo Ave. in Riverdale for more than 20 years. He was currently residing in the Nottingham Residence for Seniors in Jamesville, and was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Teresa Ennis; his daughters, Terry Ann (Jack) Hickey, of Skaneateles and Joan Condon, of San Diego, Calif.; his granddaughter, Jennifer O"Connell, of San Diego, Calif.; his grandson, Timothy (Beth) Hickey, of Charlottesville, Va.; his great-grandson, Brendan Collins, of San Diego, Calif.; his brother, William Ennis, of Staten Island; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Dr. Laurie Beth Hickey. A funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., DeWitt. Burial will be at St. Joseph"s cemetery in Fleming. Contributions can be made in Joe"s memory to the Loretto Foundation, c/o the Nottingham Employees Appreciation Fund, 1305 Nottingham Road, Jamesville, NY 13078. Arrangements by Fairchild & Meech DeWitt Chapel.