Edward Jenest

1943 - 2024

Edward Jenest

Asheville, NC - Edward Jenest, born on August 23, 1943, in Greenfield, MA, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was raised by his wonderful and loving mother, Frances, while his father, Lt. Albert Jenest, served our country with extensive pre-war training and fought as a Tank Commander in The Battle of Normandy.

Ed graduated from Greenfield High School in the Class of 1961 and enlisted in the US Army in the fall for three years. His assignments included Ft. Dix, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Kimbrough Army Hospital. Using the GI Bill, he attended night school at Lawrence Institute of Technology in Southfield, MI, where he studied chemistry and computer programming. This training and experience led to a lifelong career in laboratory medicine and diagnostics.

He had a 28-year career at Abbott Laboratories, starting in technical support, then moving to sales, product management, and ultimately leading an R&D group.

Ed retired in 2000 at the age of 58. In retirement, he pursued his passion for travel with Vicki, exploring both domestic and international destinations. They experienced new cultures in places like South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Ed, an avid landscape photographer, took his gear on many adventures.

A late cherished goal was to have a family gathering under one roof. In 2022, he rented a 12-bedroom beachfront home in Corolla, Outer Banks, NC, for a week. All of their children, grandchildren, and significant others, totaling 18, gathered for a week of family fun, creating an unforgettable experience.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 37 years, Vicki; four adult children, Craig (his wife Renee), Amy (her husband Paul), David (his wife Marla), and Sharon (her husband Tim); four grandchildren, Sydney, Lisa, Ryan, and Olivia; and four brothers, John, Alan, Douglas, and Charles.

Special thanks go to Dr. Palmeri and their staff at Messino Cancer Center, and Dr. Ballantine and staff at Blue Ridge Premier Health, for their compassionate care that extended his life by more than four years. The staff at Four Season Hospice provided immense support, making his transition peaceful, with a special thanks to his nurse, Frances.

His charitable priorities included Mana Food Bank (Asheville), Habitat for Humanity (Asheville), the Center for Southern Equality (Asheville), and Arts for Life (Asheville).

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.