Gerard J. Ennis

Gerard J. “Gerry” Ennis passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in Hockessin, DE. He was born in November of 1930 in Elizabeth, NJ to William J. and Anna (Schleck) Ennis. 

He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Elizabeth, NJ in 1948, and from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ  in 1952.

During his early academic career, he was high school class president and valedictorian, elected New Jersey Boys’ State Governor, and attended Boys’ Nation.He even shook hands with President Harry Truman at the White House. Over the years he competed in speech and debate contests that were sponsored by the American Legion and the Hearst Newspapers. Additionally he was capped by a tournament competition held at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House. During his time at Rutgers, he was the head announcer at WRSU and a member of Phi Beta Kappa alongside honorary journalism and debate fraternities. 

Upon leaving Rutgers he answered the honorable calling to join the United States Air Force where he served in San Antonio, TX, Buffalo, NY, Port Deposit, MD, Salina, KS, and Shreveport, LA. He had duty assignments ranging from head of the English department at the Naval Academy Prep School to ICBM Crew Commander during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  While in the service he earned his Master’s degree from Kansas State University. 

Gerry went on to join Atlas Chemical Company (now AstraZeneca) in Chattanooga, TN, which later moved its headquarters to Wilmington, DE. He worked on training projects both internationally and nationally, eventually moving into the Stuart Pharmaceuticals Division. During his career with Stuart, his most notable work was with marketing break-through advances in cardiovascular, oncology, and anesthesiology products. He retired in 1992. 

Over his lifetime, Gerry was active with the Brandywiners and the Ardensingers, once even as Guildmaster. He was part of a number of church choirs and choral groups. In addition, he served in Literacy and ESL groups, as an AARP Tax-Aide, and a long-term driver safety instructor. Gerry was an accomplished writer having written histories for both the Chester County and Pocopson County historical societies. He wrote a text on supervisory skills and had several articles published in national magazines on topics such as training, marketing research, and technical research. 

Gerry is predeceased by his parents and two of his beloved children, Patti and Bill. He is survived by his loving wife, Marianne, with whom he shared 72 years of marriage, as well as his children Melissa Ennis, Chris Ennis (Susan Fullerton), Peter Ennis (Debbie), Barbara Ennis, Mary Ennis-Smith (Greg), and daughter in-law Roni Ennis (Bill). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie Mullen (Bernie), Jim Ennis (Heaven), Breanna Ennis, Parke Ennis, Andrew Knox, Matthew Knox, Ethan Knox, several great-grandchildren, and countless friends and loved ones. 

Friends and family are invited to a visitation held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 10:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington, DE. A service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to St. Jude’s Hospital or Doctors Without Borders.