Richard Elwyn Jenness, age 85, of Warren, RI died Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Newport Hospital. Richard was born May 12, 1932 in Melrose, MA. He is the son of the late Elwyn and the late Beatrice (Harlow) Jenness of Malden, MA.
Richard was a graduate of Boston University with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering and worked as an engineer and manager for General Electric for forty years, retiring as a manager of special projects.
Richard was an active participant and bible teacher in numerous churches which included: Maplewood Baptist Church of Malden MA, Melrose First Baptist Church of Melrose MA, Malden Methodist Church of Malden MA, Calvary Bible Church of Rutland VT, Lynnfield Street Baptist Church of Lynn MA, Freedom Road Baptist Church of Bristol RI, and the Union Church of Prudence Island RI. His life-long study of the bible and biblical archeology, as well as his gift for storytelling, made him a favorite teacher and lay minister, and through his teaching and by his demonstrated example of christian living, he was able to influence the lives of many. Richard was known to all as a man of great integrity and moral character, and held the respect and love of those who knew him well.
Richard enjoyed spending his time in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, fishing and sailing, in his younger days, in the company of his parents, grandparents, cousins and friends, and in later years, with his own wife and children. He spent many of his early summers in Vermont at the farm of his mother’s family, and also vacationed at the family cottage on Prudence Island in RI, which remained his favorite place to be throughout his life, and was where he would spend the majority of each year following retirement. He had a strong sense of community, and was always willing to lend a hand, always greeted people with a smile, and was always interested in and supportive of his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Roberta (Bradley) Jenness, his five sons and their wives: Russell and Cheryl, Randall and Brenda, Ronald and Heather, Raymond and Donna, and Richard and Kerry, and his daughter and her husband: Robin and Brian Weber. He is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Daniel, his wife, Stephanie, and their sons, Jacob and Wyatt; Michael, his wife, Kendra, and their daughter, Ayla; Kellie, her husband, Ryan, their daughter, Shelby, and their son, Memphis; Kasey, her husband, Daniel, and their daughters Riley and Reagan; Lauren, and Ryan. As a single child himself, he was most happy to be surrounded by his (surprisingly) large family, all of whom will miss him so very much.
Calling hours will be Monday, July 17 from 3-7 pm at Connors Memorial Funeral Home, 55 West Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 23 from 10:45 am to 12 pm at the Union Church of Prudence Island with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, make a contribution to the charity of your choice.