Jeffrey Pike Ferris, 80, died peacefully on December 3, 2024, at home with his loving family. Born to the late Edgar and Evelyn Ferris in Old Greenwich, CT, Jeff attended Greenwich High School and then continued his education at Tufts University and Simmons College. After college, Jeff served as a Captain in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam conflict and was stationed at Takhli Airbase in Thailand as an Air Traffic Controller for one year.
A professional librarian by training, Jeff began his career at Wilmington Library and spent over 20 years with New Castle County Libraries, retiring in 2003 as the director of the Kirkwood Highway and Elsmere Libraries.
Jeff loved music and it was a constant throughout his life. At the age of 11, Jeff was selected to sing the part of the young David in Arthur Honegger’s oratorio and symphonic psalm King David, narrated by Basil Rathbone, at the Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, CT. In 1961, Jeff traveled to Europe with the Greenwich High School Chorus to represent the U.S. at the International Music Educators Conference in Vienna, and performed various concerts in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France over a 3-week period. At Tufts, Jeff joined the Beelzebubs, an acapella group, and appears on the ‘Bubs early records. Once settled in Delaware, Jeff joined the Chancel Choir of First and Central Presbyterian Church, where he sang for over 40 years.
While never an official church member, Jeff was active in the congregation of First and Central Presbyterian for over 40 years, singing in the choir, helping lead the church’s youth group, and volunteering in retirement for Meals on Wheels. He liked to think of himself as First and Central’s resident heretic.
Jeff is survived by his wife of 47 years, Brenda, daughter Margaret (Meg) McReynolds, son-in-law Robert, grandson Isaac, sister Althea Vanderpoel, brother-in-law Richard, and nephews Timothy and Charles.
Jeff’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at First and Central Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Meals on Wheels Delaware or Market Street Music.
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