Leonard Joseph “Lenny” Ferris
January 26, 1947 - August 28, 2023
Leonard Joseph “Lenny” Ferris, age 76, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 28, 2023.
Born in Wilmington, DE on January 26, 1947, he was a son of the late Alma (Miller) Ferris and Charles Ferris. Lenny was part of the first 8th grade graduating class from Holy Spirit R.C. School in New Castle. He would later marry the love of his life, Barbara on January 4, 1964 at that very same church. Lenny was a graduate of De La Warr High School as well as the University of Delaware where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He was a certified CPA and CMA and volunteered for many years at AARP during Tax Preparation season. Over the years, Lenny worked at various companies including, Atlas Powder, ICI, Scott Paper in Philadelphia, Magnus Construction, and Tilcon in Delaware and New Jersey and owner of B&L Explosives in Ohio.
Lenny loved to stay active in his spare time, he frequently participated in softball, tennis, pickleball, and shuffleboard. He also enjoyed competing in the Senior Olympics. Lenny could often be found cheering on his beloved University of Delaware sports teams or his grandchildren at their sports events. He also loved to travel and explore new places and most recently watching the wildlife in his backyard.
In addition to his parents, Lenny was preceded in death by his brothers, William Ferris, Robert Ferris, Lawrence Ferris, and Chris Ferris. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara A. (Keen) Ferris; children, Robert Ferris, Jeffrey Ferris (Susan), and Gregory Ferris (Emily); grandchildren, Mark, Heather (Keith), Samantha, Logan, Danielle, Reagan, and Grant; great-granddaughter, Renee; and siblings, Marie Ledoux, Cecelia Whalen (Wayne), and Charles Ferris; and many Nieces and Nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 11 am on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leonard’s memory to Meals on Wheels at the Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here, or to The Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or online by clicking here.
David & Betty
Our sincere condolences to you all at this sad time, love from David & Betty ❤️
Joe Dougherty
Thoughts and prayers to the Ferris family! I will always remember all the great matches we played. Prayers to the greatest captain!
Edna
Lenny was a kind, loving and devoted man with a great personality.. I have fond memories of good times our families had together!! May he Rest In Peace.
kathy drain
Dear barb
So sorry to hear about Lenny. His struggle is over
and now he is in God’s hands. I know the strength it takes to care for a loved one, and the toll it takes once they pass. That strength will carry you through. In your grief keep in mind the good times and cherish those memories. I pray those memories will give you comfort during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy and much love, Kathy Drain
Ed & Barbara (Drain) McGinty
The loss of our lifelong friend, Lenny, is heart rendering to the end. His determination and diligence of working his way through college while having a young family to support as well as eventually confronting ongoing Parkinson limitations was endless. Living close by Lenny & Barbara in the early years of marriage brought us so many fun weekends of cards, tennis, travel and whatever get togethers. Separated by distance later in life has never broken that special bond of friendship. He will be missed. May he finally rest in peace.
Ed & Barbara McGinty, Florida.
David and tami Dutill
Dearest Barb and Family,
Len was an extraordinary person and will be missed by all of us who knew him. Please know we send you our sympathy and condolences. Much love 😘
Jim and Alison Harrison
We were so sorry to hear about Len’s passing. He was my tennis partner and good friend for several years until he became ill and we lost contact with each other. He was such a genuinely nice person with a quiet demeanor. We always hoped that his health would improve and he would get back in touch. He will be sorely missed. Our most sincere condolences for your family.
TammyBrakefield
So sorry for your loss, Lenny was a wonderful person . Prayers sent your way 🙏to the family . Losing someone is never easy, Cherish all the great memories made. ❤️
Theresa Beasley
What heartbreaking news to hear Lenny has passed. He’s been in my life since I was a teenager, 50 years…so this loss struck home. I am grateful for Lenny that his struggle is over..memories I’ve shared with him and Barbara will be reason to smile. I always admired the love he had for his wife and family.
You were a good man Lenny Ferris….
Rest in Peace, you will be missed.
XOXO
Marie Ledoux (Ferris)
No matter where I was in the world or what was going on in my life I always knew I could call my big brother and you, Barbara, for advice and comfort. I know what a struggle the last few years have been and I am grateful that is over for both of you and your family. He is so missed! I feel like I have a big hole in my heart! Love you all!
Chuck Ferris
Your brother Chuck
Eugene White
I attended Holy Spirit, and De La Warr. My memories of Lenny are from that time period. I considered Lenny a friend. He was a solid responsible individual. My thoughts & prayers go out to Barbara, and family. RIP Lenny!
Jane Trincia Williams
From the different kids from the community of Minquadale he was very well known by many of us! Rest in heaven servant if the lord. Our condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a true gentleman and kind to many who knew him. Sad to hear of his passing!
Michael Hamilton
Barbara, our sincerest condolences on Len’s passing. First met Len when having our home built here in Academy Hill and very much admired his honesty and positivity. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Cheryl Hamilton
Eileen Muzzi
My deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. Cherish his memories
Eileen and Michael Muzzi
15 Arizona State Drive
Rick and Debbie Ward
Dear Barbara,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We have fond memories of our times together with you and Len. May your memories help you through the difficult days ahead. Len was a wonderful man, who never met anyone he didn’t like and everyone liked him.
Our love, Rick and Debbie
Charlene Pries
I remember having the best time with the Ferris Family!
Uncle Lenny was a big Teddy Bear!
He was kind and loving .
Rest in Peace,
Chary
Michelle Montague
So many great memories of my childhood with the Ferris family. I will hold you all close to my heart and in my prayers thru this difficult time.
Uncle Lenny will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him
Love you all,
Missy
Steven McGinty
So sorry to hear, our condolences
to the entire family. Mr and Mrs Ferris were both part of some many childhood memories. I recall
Lenny (Mr. Ferris), as always so calm and reserved he was loved, and will be missed by all.
Steve, Kimberly, Lucas & Carson McGinty
Paul Graden
My deepest condolences goes out to the Ferris family at this difficult time 🙏.
Joan maxwell
Lenny was a really great guy and the ultimate gentleman. He and Barbara had an amazing love story. May all the wonderful memories get the family through this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Gone but won’t be forgotten by many.
Mimi rufe
I had a wonderful time competing with him on the pickle ball court , and , partnering with him . He was a fierce competitor, always with a killer smile , and always a gentleman . My condolences to his families.
Carol Morole
Barb, Jeff, Bobby & Greg and all family members.
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Lenny was a sweet man. He is now free of pain and reunited with family that has gone before him. Take comfort in your wonderful memories of which there are many. He was a family man and you were his number one priority. Barb you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do for you I am just a phone call away. I love you my dear friend.
Colleen and John
God bless you Lenny Ferris. You were a great man who deeply loved his family and friends. John and I were blessed with your friendship. We will miss you, dear friend, and you will be always in our hearts.
Love, Colleen and John
William Smallbrook
I just wanted to give my condolences from Linda and myself on the loss of Len. Tennis buddies and partners for years in the USTA. A great captain and just a fun man to be around. I will always remember the good times we had together on and off the courts. He will be missed.
God Bless and may he rest in peace.
Georgia (Rossiter) Talbert
Barbara,
I was so sadden when I read the message from Don T. of Lenny’s passing. You and I were such good friends from when I moved down the street until Lenny’s HS graduation. Then I moved away and life happen. I remember sitting with the two of you at the 25th reunion and we talked like we had seen each other recently. I think about De La Warr HS and various friends from that time. I was there the day you two were married and I always knew you were soul mates. It is so nice that your boys and their families are with you. If I counted correctly you have 7 grandchildren and lucky you to have a great granddaughter. I only have two grandchildren and I know how much joy grand kids are. May the beautiful memories that the two of you made over your 59+ years together give you joy and some peace. Thinking of you and your family in your time of grief.
Love Georgia (Rossiter)