Gerald P. Hennessy

Gerald P. "Jerry" Hennessy passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2013 at his residence. Jerry was born in Philadelphia on July 21, 1936, grew up in Cheltenham and was a Levittown resident from 1967 to present. He retired from Rohm and Haas in Bristol with 32 years service in 1997. Jerry then worked for the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., for several years. He served proudly in the US Army from 1960 until 1962, stationed in Hawaii. Jerry enjoyed TV, movies, concerts and the theater. For many years he was a member of the Walnit Street Theater. He frequently traveled to the Jersey shore and Florida. Jerry looked forward to all holidays. He owned a pristine Chevrolet convertible for 38 years and joyfully drove it in the Miss America Boardwalk Parade every September and the Saint Patrick Day Parade in Levittown every March. Jerry was very quick to laugh and had a bizarre sense of humor. He truly enjoyed playing fun pranks on others. Everyone he met was delighted to be his friend. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, David F. and Margaret, his brothers, David, Dan (Kate), Raymond (Vivian) and sister, Beatrice. He is survived by his devoted nieces, Frances Mary Palumbo (Robert), Maryann and Kathy; nephews, David, Michael, Patrick, Danny and Donny; cousins, Lois and Marjorie; numerous second and third cousins; great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. Jerry also leaves behind his beloved sister-in-law, Frances and his favorite cousin and life long friend, Joanne Brunetti (Jeff). He pursued no hobbies, but had a huge collection of friends. The memories of Jerry's friendship will be his legacy and that legacy is awesome. Family and friends are invited to call from 9:30 until 10:30 on Thursday, December 19, at Queen of the Universe Church, 2443 Trenton Road, Levittown, where his funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am. Interment in Washington Crossing National Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jerry's name may be made to the Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans, 800 Coates Avenue, Bristol, PA 19007.