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.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jonathan A Dennis Sr., please visit our flower store.Wilmington, DE
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