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John Ellis Fenton

July 16, 2009

John Ellis Fenton, 63, of Clarks Summit, died Thursday, July 16, at home. He was the husband of the former Rita Helie. The couple would have celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on Dec. 28.

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Born March 11, 1946, in Clearfield, son of the late Billy I. and the late Evelyn Maines Fenton, he was a Clarks Summit resident since 1970, when he moved from Malden, MA. He was formerly of Clearfield. He was a 1964 graduate of Clearfield Area High School, and received his associate of science from the University of Scranton, where he studied business management. He honorably served in the Navy, having received the National Defense and the Vietnam service medals, and was a life member of the Abington Memorial Post 7069, VFW. He was a member Our Lady of Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, where he was an active volunteer having cleaned St. Benedict’s Church, served as a past president of Our Lady of the Snows Men’s Club and was moderator of its 300 Club. He was active in organizations that involved his children, including the Abington Little League. Before his illness, he was a computer programmer analyst for Mercy Hospital, Scranton, where he worked for over 27 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and as a youth he lived on a farm and had an appreciation for nature. He also enjoyed gardening and canning. John liked hands-on projects such as woodworking, refinishing furniture and repairing his autos. A gentle man with a friendly smile, he was patriotic to his country, but most of all he was truly dedicated to his family. His smile will be sadly missed.

Also surviving are a daughter, Michelle Warren and husband, Matthew, Wishek, ND; two sons, Michael and wife, Jeaneen, Forest City; and Daniel and wife, Mary, Lebanon; six brothers: Robert and wife, Becky, St. Marys; Russell and wife, Linda; Dennis and wife Mary Ann; Ronald, Scott and wife, Julie, all of Clearfield; and David and wife, Ellie, Curwensville; two sisters: Patricia Young and husband Marty, Clearfield; and Debra R. Fenton, Auburn; a grandson, James, and granddaughter, Tekla, both of Lebanon.

He was also preceded in death by brother, James B. Fenton. The funeral was to be Monday, July 20, with Mass at 10 a.m. in the Church of St. Benedict’s, Newton Ransom Blvd., Newton Twp., celebrated by Monsignor James J. McGarry. Interment with full military honors, Newton Cemetery.

Arrangements from the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit. Memorial contributions may be made for lung cancer research to American Cancer Society, Lackawanna Unit, 721 South Keyser Ave., Taylor PA 18517; or the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of Mercy Hospital, 746 Jefferson Ave., Scranton PA 18509. For more information, directions, or to send an online condolence, visit www. jenningscalvey.com.