John H. Ferenz
May 5, 1927 - February 28, 2025
John H. Ferenz, age 97, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Born in Englewood, NJ on May 5, 1927, he was the son of the late Katherine (Ferenz/Ferenc) Canfield. Growing up surrounded by a hard-working extended family, John developed a strong moral code, love for his family, and deep respect for the working man or woman. He proudly served in the United States Navy at the end of WWII, and used his GI benefits to train for a newspaper career as a Linotype operator and printer. John worked at the Wilmington News Journal for 38 years until his retirement in1989, and served a term as the secretary of the Penn-Dell Typographical Conference printers union.
A dedicated family man, John was married to his high school sweetheart Marge for 63 wonderful years until her passing in 2011. Together they raised 2 sons, Richard and Gary, and enjoyed the close friendships developed from living in the same house for over 60 years and always helping out where they could.
As a man of faith, John was one of the founding members of Saint Nicholas Episcopal Church. In his spare time, John loved to go camping and took his family on trips throughout the Eastern US, first with a tent and then a camping trailer. After retirement, he and Marge enjoyed spending winters at Sun-N-Fun in Sarasota, FL and summer weeks in Bar Harbor, Maine.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Fritz) Ferenz; and sister, Bonnie Sue Nutter. He is survived by his sons, Richard Ferenz (Susan) and Gary Ferenz (Rhonda); 3 grandchildren, Greg Ferenz (Jodi), Michael Ferenz (Leslie), and Renee Robinson (Ryan); 5 great-grandchildren, Teddy Ferenz, William Ferenz, Alex Ferenz, Bryce Robinson, and Reese Robinson; and dear friend Chuck Conway, who he always considered a third son.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 10 Old Newark Road, Newark, DE 19713, where a funeral service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will be held privately in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Compassionate Care Hospice. Please make checks payable to the Amedisys Foundation and mail to: 111 Continental Drive, Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713; or to St. Nicholas Episcopal Church at the address listed above; or to the National World War II Museum, Attn: Tributes, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 or online by clicking here.
Gary Ferenz
Please feel free to share any special memories of our father, John. Personal messages can be sent to gwferenz@gmail.com
Michael and Connie Cox
We offer our condolences to John’s family and we celebrate his life. Even though we are not part of the family, he was our Uncle John. He and Aunt Marge were such kind and loving people. We are very thankful for their lives and what they added to ours.
Betty Ann
Your father was such a wonderful man and together with your mom made a really special couple. I am sorry for your loss and sending prayers. So many memories…
Fran Fulghum
Gary and Richard, I’m sorry to learn of your father passing, he lived a good life. The Ferenz family always welcomed me into their home while growing up in Chestnut Hill Estates and was always nice to me. Over the years many people have mispronounced your last name as friends but the mispronunciation is appropriate as your family has always been friends to many people led by your father John. Sending thoughts and prayers your way, Fran
Earl and Susan (Harrell) Whaley
Gary, Richard and Family,
Earl and I, along with my family, were so sorry to hear about your precious Dad. Thank you for your Dad’s military service in the Navy. We are keeping you all in our prayers, and sending our love and hugs. God bless you all.
Earl and Susan (Harrell) Whaley
Christiana High School Classes of 1972 and 1971
Sebastian, Florida
Jim Fulghum
Gary and Family,
Although I didn’t know your father well, the video spoke volumes and touched my heart of another one of the few great men now gone from a time well cherished. John Ferenz (Friends) lived a full life filled with much LOVE, JOY and Purpose, evidence proven from generation to generation. May God’s love and comfort find you during this difficult time.
PEACE
Jim Berrigan
I started at the News Jourrnal in 1962 and got to know Bob over the years. I enjoyed working with him in the composing room. He was always an easy going likable gentleman. Always had a smile. God rest his should.