Jonathan A Dennis Sr.

Jonathan A Dennis was born February 3, 1969, at what was then the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. His

parents were George (Jack) Dennis and Donna Pennington. Jonathan’s great-grandfather drove his

mother to the hospital that cold, snowy night. He had already jokingly told her he would take her if it

was after midnight, then it would be his birthday, February 3 rd . Jonathan was born on his Pop Pop’s

birthday, February 3 rd . One was born in 1900, the other 69 years later, but it was the beginning of a

special bond and he was Jon’s first true friend.

Jonathan’s first two years were spent in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where his father was stationed at

Fort Carson Army Base. Too bad Jon was too young to appreciate the beauty of Colorado.

His parents lived in Yeadon after returning East. Their next move was to Darby Township after his sister,

Gina, was born. She became his next special friend. He rocked her to sleep and comforted her when she

cried. She would be his first real forever best friend. Jon attended Lansdowne Friends School and Holy

Spirit Catholic School while in Darby Township. Early on, he showed his ability in school. He was

competitive and always eager to get the best grades. He also continued to make friends no matter

where he was. And there was always his little sister tagging along whenever she could. He held her hand

as a toddler; helped her roller skate; helped her with schoolwork and read her stories. He only put the

brakes on when she was older and tried to follow him to the basketball court – too many boys there! It

was during this time his love of sports began. Of course, it was the Philly teams - Sixers, Phillies, and of

course the Eagles. He bled Eagle green.

The last family move was to Delaware. Jon attended Salesianum Catholic School. He was a star point

guard on Salesianum’s basketball team. More lifelong friends! After high school, Jon attended Hampton

University for two years. He returned to Delaware and married Wanda Lemon, the mother of his

children. Jon continued his education at the University of Delaware, only to be sidelined by the first of

many chronic illnesses. Jon was knocked down more times than anyone could ever count. Each time he

got up and kept moving forward. Each step along the way he made lifelong friends. Friends sitting here

today. You know who you are. He never made a distinction about race, class, economic status. If you

were his friend at the age of four, you were still his friend at the age of 54. Friendship was the hallmark

of the person that he was.

Jon loved to cook. He certainly didn’t acquire that from his mother, but he did pass it on to each of his

children. Even the younger nieces and nephews wanted to know what Uncle Jon was cooking. Dinner

might not be until 9:00 at night but it was always worth waiting for.

Jon gave all he had, and then some. If he had something/anything, and knew you needed it, you would

not have to ask him. It was yours. He gave willingly and unselfishly, often to his detriment. Perhaps he

knew early on that his life was limited. Perhaps that is why there was so much love and friendship in

such a small body. He endured so much pain in his adult life but never complained. He is at peace now,

no more pain. The pain is ours because we will all miss him – Son Jon, Father Jon, Brother Jon, Pop Pop

Jon, Uncle Jon, and of course, Friend Jon.

Jon was preceded in death by his father, George (Jack) Dennis.

Jon is survived by his children: Anthony Lemon-Dennis, Qouri Dennis, Zaire Dennis (Kayla), and Jonathan

Dennis Jr. (Sasha); his mother, Donna Pennington Monroe; his sister, Jorgina Dennis Watson (Talib);

grandchildren, Javier, Kylee, Cyanni, Antonio, Vega, Neomi, Esperanza, and Creed and numerous relatives and friends.

Jon’s wish would be for each of you to leave here, vow to rid yourself of hate and reach out to show love

to your family and friends.