Edward J.J. Dennery

Lt. Commander Edward John Joseph Dennery of Mantua, formerly of Gloucester City, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on April 6, 2016. He was 91, a member of the Greatest Generation. A pilot in the U.S. Navy, he was a veteran of WWII and retired from the Naval Reserves.

Born December 15, 1924 at home on Market Street in Gloucester City. Mr. Dennery graduated with a perfect attendance record from St. Mary’s Grammar School and from Gloucester Catholic High School, Class of 1942. He then attended Rutgers University for 1 semester, where he was a member of the football team.

On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the US Navy as an Aviation Cadet - he had already learned to fly at an airstrip in Vineland. He was told to finish out the semester and then await orders. He was assigned to the V-12 U.S. Navy College Training Program, a venture inaugurated to provide undergraduate education for selected applicants and commissioned officers for duty in WWII. He graduated as an Ensign in 1944.

Following his war service, he returned to Rutgers University under the GI bill and graduated with a BS in Animal Studies as a member of the Class of 1950.

During high school and throughout college, Mr. Dennery worked part-time for his family’s business, Dennery’s Dairies in Gloucester City, taking on full-time responsibilities after graduating. When the business was sold in the late 1950’s, he and one of his aunts partnered to form DECCO Quick Clean, a chain of coin-operated laundromats, which he owned, operated and maintained until his retirement in the early 1990’s.

Edward was inducted in the Gloucester City Lions Club in 1953 and was the oldest and longest serving member. He served as President from 1974-1975 and was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. He was also instrumental in the creation and building of the Gloucester City Swim Club.

Predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Joanne Milner Dennery, his parents, Helen C. of Gloucester City and Edward J. Dennery, of California, and his sister Alice Mitchel, of California.

Survived by his children Eileen Mannion, (Ed) of West Deptford; John (Dawn) of Gloucester City; Patrick (Patti) of Pennsville; grandchildren Jason, Helen Marzin (Matt), Michael, Cassandra and Allison.

He was a spiritual man, a man who believed in service to others, and a loving husband and father, son and brother, grandfather and uncle.

He loved to fly his single-engine plane, travel with his wife, Joanne, and tinker with things to find out how they worked.

But most of all he loved a good joke.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Tuesday morning, April 12, 2016 from 9:30 to 11 AM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM in the church.

Private interment will be at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown.

Memorial donations may be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter or to the Gloucester City Lions Club.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Edward J.J. Dennery. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: Gloucester City. Ph:856-456-1142